Nurnbergische Hesperides: La Luchetta Imoperiale

1714

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

Nurnbergische Hesperides: La Luchetta Imoperiale 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 print shows a giant lemon floating above a small town. Below it, people rush around in what looks like a chaotic scene—some are on horseback, others carry bags or tools. The lemon is cut in half, revealing its pithy center, and hangs from a ribbon labeled *"La Luchetta Imperiale."* The lemon’s size and the crowd’s reaction suggest it’s something special, not just food. The print’s title hints it might be a rare or symbolic fruit, possibly linked to local traditions. If you like odd still lifes like this, check out Baroque art for more surprises.