USDA Watercolor Fruit Painting Collection

USDA Watercolor Fruit Painting Collection

The USDA Watercolor Fruit Paintings Collection is a collection of more than 7,500 watercolor paintings of fruits and nuts collected by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) between 1886 and 1942. These paintings were made by botanists and artists , primarily to document new species of fruits and nuts .

Collection Features

• Scientific accuracy: The paintings accurately capture the botanical characteristics of each plant, making them an invaluable resource for species identification and research.
• Artistic value: The paintings, created by our skilled artists, capture the beauty, texture and vitality of fruits and nuts with a delicate touch.
• Diversity: The collection depicts a wide variety of fruits and nuts, including apples, pears, grapes , peaches, citrus fruits, berries and nuts .
• Historical value: It is also a valuable resource for the history of American agriculture and horticulture from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.

Collection purpose

• Varietal recording: To record new varieties of fruits and nuts and record their characteristics for future generations.
• Education/Research: To be used as educational material for agricultural workers and researchers.
• Public Relations: To promote the achievements of American agriculture and horticulture.

Current collection

Today, the USDA Watercolor Fruit Paintings Collection is housed at the National Agricultural Library in Washington, D.C. The paintings have been digitized and made available online for public viewing , and some have been featured in exhibitions and publications.

The USDA Watercolor Fruit Paintings Collection is a rare collection of scientific, artistic, and historical value. These paintings inspire our appreciation of the diversity and beauty of fruits and nuts and inspire our appreciation of nature.