A Radish Plant, Seed, and Flower

late 18th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 464

This painting is from the collection of Major James Nathaniel Rind, an enthusiastic collector in India between 1778 and 1804. The unknown artist of this work has identified the specimen by way of the Persian writing on the right side of the page, which reads muli (radish), and has depicted it in three forms: as a plant, in its flowering form, and finally as a vegetable. This type, called "Rat Tail" or "Madras" radish (Raphanus caudatus), is bred especially for its pods, which appear more like green beans than the root radishes popular in North America.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: A Radish Plant, Seed, and Flower
Date: late 18th century
Geography: Made in India, Calcutta
Medium: Ink and opaque watercolor on paper
Dimensions: H. 18 3/4 in. (47.6 cm)
W. 24 1/2 (47.6 cm)
Classification: Codices
Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Islamic Art Gifts, 2007
Object Number: 2007.289
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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