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Millet; Water chestnut

Jacques Le Moyne de Morgues

1568

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Barbizon school Renaissance Renaissance Floral

Dominant colour

Millet; Water chestnut is a 1568 watercolor by Jacques Le Moyne de Morgues, a Barbizon school work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Jacques Le Moyne de Morgues
When & what style?: 1568 · Barbizon school
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This is a watercolour painting called Millet; Water chestnut. It's a floral work by Jacques Le Moyne de Morgues. The painting is one of many studies of flowers, fruits, and butterflies by the artist. These detailed drawings were likely used as references for craftsmen. To learn more about the style and context of this work, look up the movement: Renaissance.

The story of this work

Overview

This watercolour by Jacques Le Moyne de Morgues depicts a water chestnut and is one of 59 botanical studies in the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection, likely created around 1575 in France. The detailed rendering suggests it served as a reference for artisans such as jewellers or embroiderers. The album containing the drawing was acquired by the museum in 1856 due to its fine binding, though Le Moyne de Morgues’ significance as a botanical artist was only later recognised. Comparable works exist in other collections, including an album at the British Museum dated around 1585.

Read the full account in the museum source.

About the artist

Artist

Jacques Le Moyne de Morgues

Jacques Le Moyne de Morgues (French pronunciation: ; c. 1533–1588) was a French artist and member of Jean Ribault's expedition to the New World. His depictions of Native American life and culture, colonial life, and…

See the richer artist page