Pera Spadona - Spadona Pear

by Giorgio Gallesio

This unique botanical illustration reveals the graceful beauty of the Pera Spadona, also called Spadona Pear, which is one of the oldest Italian fruit varieties. Made for Giorgio Gallesio's famous work Pomona Italiana, which was recognized by scholars as the most exquisite Italian masterpiece devoted to pomology created in the 19th century, this plate combines precise scientific illustration and genuine fine art.

The image features one large pear hanging on the realistically depicted woody branch. Color of the pear starts from soft chartreuse shade and ends with warm russet color around its shoulder. Finely designed by Del Pino without any idealistic elements, the plate shows organic reality through subtle leaf veins, gently curled leaf margins, and natural flaws on the deep green foliage.

Engraved in Florence using stipple method and colored by hand, this historic engraving represents the Golden Age of natural science illustration.