The Fig Tree

Artist Elizabeth Blackwell (English, 1699 – 1758)

Engraver Elizabeth Blackwell (English, 1699 – 1758)

Colorist Elizabeth Blackwell (English, 1699 – 1758)

Date1737

Mediumcopper plate engraving on paper, hand-colored

Dimensions14 1/2 × 9 inches (36.8 × 22.9 cm)

Credit LineBequest of H.J. Lutcher Stark, 1965

Object number11.40.1.A.125_The Fig Tree

ClassificationsInformation Artifacts

Label TextBlackwell began producing an herbal as a way to make income, since her husband Alexander was in debtor’s prison. She drew over 500 plants, prepared the text, engraved the plates, and colored the engravings. Her depiction of the Night-Shade, Solanum hortense, conveyed the visual appeal of the plant. Her text cited primarily beneficial qualities. She said to use it for inflammations, swellings, the shingles, and other eruptions. The plant appears to be related to deadly nightshade.

ProvenancePurchased February 17, 1962 through (Nada Kramar, Washington, D.C.) by H.J. Lutcher Stark [1887-1965]; bequeathed September 2, 1965 to the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation; accessioned to the Stark Museum of Art

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