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1 of 253523 objects
Deformed broccoli c. 1650
Watercolour and bodycolour over black chalk | 34.3 x 46.4 cm (sheet of paper) | RCIN 921143
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An interest in deformed specimens was common among seventeenth-century collectors. The study of ‘strange and monstrous objects, in which nature deviates and turns from her ordinary course’ (in the words of the philosopher Francis Bacon) was considered essential to understanding the workings of nature. This anomalous head of broccoli, with an enlarged and flattened stem and irregularly attached leaves, is depicted life size.
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.
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Creator(s)
(artist)Acquirer(s)
Commissioner(s)
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Medium and techniques
Watercolour and bodycolour over black chalk
Measurements
34.3 x 46.4 cm (sheet of paper)
Other number(s)
RL 21143Alternative title(s)
Broccoli, Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck
Featured in
ExhibitionAmazing Rare Things: The Art of Natural History in the Age of Discovery: The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace
Drawings illustrating the development of European knowledge
