Illustrated Catalog of American Fruits & Nuts: The U.S. Department of Agriculture Pomological Watercolor Collection

The United States Department of Agriculture Pomological Watercolor Collection is a collection of 7,497 botanical watercolor paintings of evolving fruit and nut varieties, created by 21 professional artists between 1886 and 1942. It offers fascinating anthropological and horticultural insights into the fruits we eat, and includes contributions by authors Jacqueline Landy, John McPhee, Michael Pollan, and Marina Vitaglione.

Format: Hardback
Length: 356 pages
Publication date: 19 April 2021
Publisher: Atelier Editions

The United States Department of Agriculture Pomological Watercolor Collection is a breathtaking celebration of the USDA's remarkable pomological collection, offering an engaging and biophilic meditation on the sweetest of Earth's produce. Comprising 7,497 botanical watercolor paintings, alongside specimens introduced by USDA plant explorers from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the collection spans a remarkable period from 1886 to 1942. Executed by some 21 professional artists, including nine women, these botanically accurate watercolors were meticulously crafted to aid accurate identification and examination of fruit varietals, serving the needs of the nation's fruit growers.

This collection, assembled over a century ago, provides a captivating glimpse into the transformation of American pomology, the science of fruit breeding and production, and the horticultural innovations that have shaped contemporary fruit cultivation and consumption. It offers fascinating anthropological and horticultural insights into the fruits we eagerly devour, shedding light on the cultural, historical, and ecological factors that have influenced their development and appreciation.

To enhance the reader's experience, this exquisite volume includes an abundance of reproductions from the collection, accompanied by fruit-suffused anecdotes and observations drawn from the fields of archaeology, anthropology, horticulture, literature, ancient representation, and contemporary visual art. Contributions by renowned authors such as Jacqueline Landy, John McPhee, Michael Pollan, and Marina Vitaglione further enrich the content, adding depth and perspective to the exploration of fruit's cultural significance.

In conclusion, the United States Department of Agriculture Pomological Watercolor Collection is a treasure trove of botanical artistry, horticultural knowledge, and cultural insights. It invites us to savor the beauty of fruit, appreciate its role in our lives, and contemplate the intricate connections between humans, nature, and the fruits we cherish.

Weight: 1538g
Dimension: 219 x 290 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781733622042