Who painted Wild chrysanthemum (chrysanthemum indicum)?

Wild chrysanthemum (chrysanthemum indicum) was painted by Unknown in 1800.

Where can I see Wild chrysanthemum (chrysanthemum indicum)?

Wild chrysanthemum (chrysanthemum indicum) is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Wild chrysanthemum (chrysanthemum indicum)?

Wild chrysanthemum (chrysanthemum indicum) is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Wild chrysanthemum (chrysanthemum indicum)

Unknown , 1800

Wild chrysanthemum (chrysanthemum indicum) is a paint painting by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work presents a single wild chrysanthemus (Chrysanthemum indicum) rendered on a neutral, light‑beige ground.

About this work

Overview

The work presents a single wild chrysanthemus (Chrysanthemum indicum) rendered on a neutral, light‑beige ground. A modest stem bears several ovate, irregularly lobed leaves and a cluster of yellow florets at varying stages of opening, arranged in a compact, dish‑shaped inflorescence.

Subject & Meaning

The botanical illustration records the morphology of Chrysanthemum indicum, emphasizing leaf shape, size (approximately 2.5–3.8 cm long) and the structure of its composite flower head, which contains roughly one hundred individual florets—outer ray‑like tongues surrounding central tubular flowers.

Technique & Style

Executed in a realistic manner, the painter employs fine brushwork to delineate leaf venation and petal texture, layering muted greens and ochres to suggest depth. Subtle gradations of yellow create a sense of three‑dimensional form, while the plain background isolates the specimen, enhancing scientific clarity.

History & Provenance

The painting entered the museum’s Asian collection after being purchased from the dealer E. Parsons and was formally accessioned in 1889, as documented in the department’s acquisition registers.