Walnut

Le Moyne de Morgues, Jacques, 1533?-1588 · [ca. 1580]

Jacques Le Moyne de Morgues, a French artist living in Elizabethan England, specialized in naturalistic florilegia. While living in Blackfriars, London during the 16th century, Le Moyne painted dozens of plants and animals native to English gardens; however, his work remained largely undiscovered until the 20th century. These meticulous recreations of Le Moyne's watercolor and gouache pieces highlight the balance between science and art during the sixteenth century. Jacques Le Moyne focused on naturalism when creating "Walnut", a watercolor and gouache painting, c. 1580. The inclusion of insect-related damage to the leaves verifies that Le Moyne worked from life. His nuanced linework delineates every crevice of the bottom walnuts. Le Moyne's application of value creates the illusion of palpable, textured plants. Scientific accuracy dictates the plain background and the portrayal of all aspects of the plant, while "Walnut"'s balanced composition pays tribute to Le Moyne's artistic talent. "Walnut" survives as part of a series commissioned by a wealthy English patron, though a similar piece by Le Moyne, also entitled "Walnut", resides in the Victoria and Albert Museum. Superior texture and linework make "Walnut" arguably Le Moyne's most realistic work.