Pomona Britannica: No. 52 - Black Prince Grape - George Brookshaw

A detailed botanical study of the Black Prince grape from George Brookshaw's Pomona Britannica, featuring precise stipple engraving and hand-colouring.

George Brookshaw, a cabinet maker turned botanical artist, produced his magnum opus, Pomona Britannica, between 1804 and 1812. This collection documents the finest fruits cultivated in the royal gardens and private estates of Britain during the early nineteenth century. The work is celebrated for its technical precision and the use of aquatint combined with stipple engraving, a method that allowed for subtle tonal gradations and a soft, painterly finish.

This specific plate depicts the Black Prince grape, a variety prized for its deep, dark skin and elongated form. Brookshaw captures the fruit with scientific accuracy, noting the bloom on the grapes and the specific structure of the vine leaves. The composition is clean and focused, set against a neutral background that allows the form of the fruit to emerge. A soft shadow is cast to the right of the bunch, providing a sense of volume and physical presence. The leaves show a transition from green to autumnal tones, suggesting the late season harvest.

Brookshaw was a master of the stipple technique, which involves creating images through small dots rather than lines. This approach mimics the texture of fruit skin with remarkable fidelity. The publication was intended for a wealthy audience of horticulturists and collectors, reflecting the era's obsession with exotic and improved fruit varieties. The plates remain a primary source for understanding the history of pomology and the aesthetic standards of British botanical art during the Regency period. This print offers a clear view of the artist's ability to balance scientific observation with decorative appeal, making it a suitable piece for those interested in the history of natural science or traditional illustration techniques.