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Watercress, Nasturtium officinale
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Watercress, Nasturtium officinale
Watercress, Nasturtium officinale (Sisymbrium nasturtium). Handcoloured copperplate engraving after a drawing by James Sowerby for James Smiths English Botany, 1801
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Media ID 23203410
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Cress Nasturtium Officinale Salad Sisymbrium Sowerby Vegetable Watercress Smith
EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning handcoloured copperplate engraving depicts the vibrant Watercress plant, Nasturtium officinale, also known as Sisymbrium nasturtium. The intricate detail in this beautiful illustration was created after a drawing by the renowned botanical artist James Sowerby, as part of James Smith's English Botany, published in 1801. Watercress is an edible aquatic plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family, and is native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. It thrives in fast-flowing, clear water and is often found growing in streams and springs. The plant's distinctive, peppery flavor makes it a popular ingredient in salads and sandwiches, and it is also used as a garnish or as a potherb. The illustration captures the Watercress plant in all its glory, with its delicate, lobed leaves and small, white flowers. The engraving process, which involved etching the design onto a copper plate and then printing it onto paper, was a common method for producing high-quality botanical illustrations during the 18th and 19th centuries. The addition of handcolouring further enhanced the accuracy and beauty of the final image. This botanical masterpiece not only showcases the aesthetic appeal of the Watercress plant but also serves as an important record of its natural history. The intricate detail and precise labeling of the various parts of the plant make it an invaluable resource for botanical research and study. Overall, this beautiful engraving is a testament to the artistry and scientific rigor of the botanical illustrators and natural historians of the past.
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