Dryad’s saddle, seen from below c. 1650
Watercolour and bodycolour over pen and ink and black chalk | 26.5 x 33.5 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 919344
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A drawing of a fungus identified as Dryad's Saddle [Polyporus squamosus); mounted in a Cassiano mount type D. Fungi fascinated Cassiano and his friends because they seemed to lack reproductive structures such as flowers or seeds, and thus they were considered ‘imperfect plants’. Cassiano owned over 600 drawings of fungi. The dryad’s saddle, a common large bracket fungus, is here drawn actual size, this view showing the porous lower surface.
Provenance
Commissioned by Cassiano dal Pozzo; from whose heirs purchased by Pope Clement XI, 1703; his nephew, Cardinal Alessandro Albani, 1721; from whom bought by George III, 1762 and thence by descent to King George V (dispersed from Royal Library between the two World Wars); London art market (most via dealer Jacob Mendelson); by Sir Rex Nan Kivell (partner of the Redfern Galleries on Cork Street); presented to Queen Elizabeth II in 1976-77
As part of ongoing provenance research, this work has been identified as having uncertain or incomplete provenance for the years 1933–45. Royal Collection Trust welcomes information and assistance in the investigation and clarification of the provenance of all works during that era. -
Creator(s)
(artist)Acquirer(s)
Commissioner(s)
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Medium and techniques
Watercolour and bodycolour over pen and ink and black chalk
Measurements
26.5 x 33.5 cm (sheet of paper)
Object type(s)
Other number(s)
RL 19344Alternative title(s)
Dryad's Saddle, Polyporus squamosus (Huds.) Fr.
