Nurnbergische Hesperides: Aranzo da Portugal

1714

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

Nurnbergische Hesperides: Aranzo da Portugal is a 1714 by Joseph de Montalegre, a Baroque work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Joseph de Montalegre
When & what style?: 1714 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This drawing shows a giant, round fruit with a leafy vine labeled *Aranzo da Portugal*. Below it, the fruit is cut open to reveal its seeds inside. In the background, there’s a small village with houses, a bridge, and a few people walking. The name suggests this is a type of citrus fruit, likely a pomelo or grapefruit, but drawn much bigger than life. The artist made the scene look like a mix of nature and a garden. Next, check out the Baroque movement to see how artists used drama and detail like this.