Nandina, Alida Withoos, c. 1680 - before c. 1700
watercolour, with opaque watercolour, over traces of graphite, h 336mm × w 222mm Catalogue entry
Alida Withoos here presents key characteristics of Nandina, namely leaves that turn from pink to green, pinkish white flowers and red berries. Native to East Asia, the plant was still rare in Europe at the end of the 17th century. That the artist drew such a plant indicates that she was well connected to the network of botanical collectors, scientists and artists at the time.
