Uva Trebbiana Fiorentina - Trebbiano Grapes

by Giorgio Gallesio

This extraordinary illustration depicts Uva Trebbiana Fiorentina (Florentine Trebbiano Grape), one of the fundamental grape types in Tuscan wine-making. Extracted from Pomona Italiana, this particular plate is a stunning example of a remarkable artistic union of draughtswoman Isabella Bozzolini and engraver Giuseppe Pera.

The painting focuses on a large, conical bunch of amber-white grapes with excellent shading providing a feeling of transparency. This bunch of grapes hangs from a tough piece of woody vine, which is accompanied by two big, palmately lobed leaves. The leaves possess variegated shades of dark green color, along with natural fraying and complicated vein structures of the era's rigorous scientific observations. Finally, the plate ends up with graceful copperplate calligraphy located on the bottom part of the illustration.