Albicocca Susina - Apricot

by Giorgio Gallesio

Exquisite hand colored botanical engraving, the Albicocca Susina (translation meaning “Plum-Apricot”), an unusual species of stone fruits that is known to be described by the Italian botanist Giorgio Gallesio, can be seen. In the depicted scene, there is a vertical single branch with two different fruits hanging on it: one being bright red and the other one dark plum-colored.

Stipple engraving performed by Antonio Serantoni shows the texture of the leaves with finely illustrated veins and gentle serrations of the leaf edges as well as the reddish coloration of the petiole. It is evident that the talent of Serantoni is visible through the beautiful tonalities of the fruit skin making them look three-dimensional, characteristic of the best plates of Pomona Italiana which is considered to be one of the greatest pomological works ever created.

Serves as an impressive representation of agriculture history in Italy.