Studies of Upas and Maple Trees
1804
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1804
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This painting shows two trees with detailed leaves and branches. The upas tree has twisted, gnarly limbs. The maple tree has bright red leaves. Mary Altha Nims painted this in the 1800s. She was one of the few women botanical artists back then. Watch how she mixes greens and reds in the leaves. It’s subtle but sharp. Look up Mary Altha Nims (American, 1817–1907) next.
