Cherry Laurel (Mock Orange) Bough 1842 - 1878

"Cherry Laurel (Mock Orange) Bough" is a watercolor painting by Mary Russell Smith, a self-taught American artist known for her botanical illustrations. Created between 1842 and 1878, the painting showcases Smith's meticulous attention to detail in capturing the delicate beauty of a cherry laurel branch, complete with leaves, blossoms, and ripe berries. This detailed and realistic depiction exemplifies the genre of botanical illustration and the prevailing taste for naturalism in 19th-century art. The piece, currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, serves as a testament to Smith's talent and the enduring appeal of botanical subjects in art.