Pera Butirra Grigia - Pear

by Giorgio Gallesio

This is a splendid 19th century European example of pomology illustration, depicting Pera Butirra Grigia (the Grey Butter Pear) cultivar, an esteemed variety of pear from Tuscany. The central element in this image is the depiction of a split orchard branch with two sizable, spherical pears. This particular pear skin has been captured very realistically by the artist through the use of stippling technique in order to replicate the actual russeted appearance, along with patches of green-gold colors.

Surrounded by clusters of dark green leaves that have been twisted to reveal their reverse sides, the plate displays a beautiful union of science and elegance of the Enlightenment period prints.