Citrullus 1485

Johannes de Cuba created this image of Citrullus, also known as watermelon, around the late 15th century using ink and watercolor on paper. The drawing is both a work of art, and a piece of botanical documentation. The artist used a combination of observation and received knowledge in his depiction. Consider the manual skill involved: the fine lines of the plant’s stem, the subtle gradations of color in the leaves. But this wasn't simply a demonstration of technical virtuosity. It was also a way of understanding and cataloging the natural world. In a pre-photographic era, the ability to accurately depict plants and animals was essential for scientific study. The image, with its careful detail, served a practical purpose, aiding in the identification and understanding of this particular plant. Therefore, we can appreciate it as a product of specialized labor, deeply entwined with both artistic practice and the pursuit of scientific knowledge.