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1 of 253523 objects
Deformed melon c. 1630-40
Watercolour and bodycolour over black chalk | 53.2 x 34.8 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 919365
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A drawing of a deformed specimen of the melon, 'Cucumis melo', a herbaceous annual of the Cucurbitaceae family; mounted in a Cassiano mount type D. Many of the drawings in Cassiano’s ‘paper museum’ are notable for the clarity with which the specimens are depicted. This sheet shows at actual size two views - external and cross-section - of an anomalous ‘twin’ melon, a single fruit that has grown abnormally due to two ovaries on the same flower developing simultaneously after pollination.
Provenance
Commissioned by Cassiano dal Pozzo; from whose heirs purchased by Pope Clement XI, 1703; his nephew, Cardinal Alessandro Albani, 1721; from whom bought by George III, 1762 and thence by descent to King George V (dispersed from Royal Library between the two World Wars); London art market (most via dealer Jacob Mendelson); by Sir Rex Nan Kivell (partner of the Redfern Galleries on Cork Street); presented to Queen Elizabeth II in 1976-77
As part of ongoing provenance research, this work has been identified as having uncertain or incomplete provenance for the years 1933–45. Royal Collection Trust welcomes information and assistance in the investigation and clarification of the provenance of all works during that era. -
Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
Commissioner(s)
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Medium and techniques
Watercolour and bodycolour over black chalk
Measurements
53.2 x 34.8 cm (sheet of paper)
Other number(s)
RL 19365Alternative title(s)
Melon, 'Cucumis melo' L.
