Heather, Sweet Peas and Butterfly 19th century

This watercolor of heather, sweet peas and a butterfly on paper is by an anonymous artist. Botanical drawings such as this were often made by women. In the 18th and 19th centuries, botany was considered an appropriate pursuit for women because it was thought to cultivate their aesthetic sensibilities and powers of observation. In Britain, women were excluded from scientific societies like the Royal Society, so this type of artwork, along with manuscript recipe books, allowed upper and middle-class women to participate in the scientific discourse of the day and show off their knowledge. However, the anonymity of this artist means that they might have belonged to a lower social class and be working within a different set of cultural expectations. To find out more about this drawing we might consult primary sources such as letters, diaries, and household accounts, as well as secondary sources in the history of science, art, and women's studies.