Rhubarb cultivation, 16th century
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Rhubarb cultivation, 16th century
Rhubarb cultivation. 16th-century artwork of a Jewish merchant (left) supervising the cultivation and harvesting of a rhubarb plant. Originally from China, this crop spread westward as it was traded along the Silk Road. The expense of transportation meant it was a valuable commodity that sold at high prices. Artwork from Cosmographie universelle (1575) by the French explorer and writer Andre Thevet (1516-1590). This book described the history and geography of the lands in which Thevet had travelled. The two volumes and four tomes contain over 1000 pages divided into 23 books. This woodcut is from chapter IIII of book V
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9199635
© MIDDLE TEMPLE LIBRARY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1500s 1575 16th Century Africa African Agriculture Andre Thevet Black Cosmographie Universelle Crop Cultivating Cultivation Farm Farmer Farmers Farming Field French Harvest Harvesting Jewish Mediaeval Medieval Merchant Middle Ages Natural History Trader Woodcut Worker Workers Chapter 4 Rheum Rhabarbarum Rhubarb Silk Road
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in the history of rhubarb cultivation during the 16th century. The artwork depicts a scene where a Jewish merchant, positioned on the left side, oversees the meticulous process of cultivating and harvesting a rhubarb plant. Originating from China, this valuable crop gradually made its way westward through trade along the renowned Silk Road. Transporting rhubarb was an expensive endeavor, making it an incredibly sought-after commodity that commanded high prices. This artwork is sourced from "Cosmographie universelle" a book published in 1575 by Andre Thevet, an esteemed French explorer and writer. In his extensive work spanning two volumes and four tomes with over 1000 pages divided into 23 books, Thevet detailed his experiences exploring various lands. The woodcut featured here belongs to chapter IIII of book V and showcases the diverse range of individuals involved in rhubarb cultivation - including African, Asian, Caucasian men working alongside their Jewish supervisor. It provides us with invaluable insights into medieval farming practices and natural history. Todd-White Art Photography has skillfully captured this historical masterpiece for our viewing pleasure. Through this photograph print, we are transported back to the vibrant world of agriculture during the Middle Ages when farmers tirelessly worked to cultivate crops like rheum rhabarbarum along ancient trading routes like the Silk Road.
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