Artwork
Black-eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Pancrace Bessa. It dates from 1832 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Black-eyed Susan is a drawing created by Pancrace Bessa in 1832. It is a precise botanical illustration characteristic of Bessa's style, showcasing his attention to detail.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts two yellow flowers with dark centers on a single stem, accompanied by a sketch of the flower's seed pod and buds. The level of detail suggests a scientific as well as artistic purpose.
Technique & Style
Bessa's work is marked by a delicate and detailed approach, capturing the texture of petals and the veins in leaves. This level of precision was typical of botanical illustrations in the 19th century.
History & Provenance
The drawing is part of the collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Bessa, trained under Gerard van Spaendonck and associated with Pierre-Joseph Redouté, frequently exhibited at the Paris Salons.
Artist & collection
Artist
Pancrace Bessa (1 January 1772 – 11 June 1846) was a French natural history artist, best known for his botanical illustrations.














