Framed Watercolour, 19th Century Fungi Study, Artist Unknown

Title: Fungi Study Sheet – Agaricus and Boletus
Artist: Unknown
Date: 19th century
Medium: Watercolour and ink on laid paper
Origin: Likely Central or Northern Europe
Dimensions: Approx. 30 cm x 20 cm 
 
 
This 19th-century watercolour study depicts four varieties of fungi, carefully labelled in Latin script: Agaricus murinus, Agaricus arenatus, Boletus luteus, and a gill cross-section, most likely belonging to one of the illustrated species. The delicately observed caps, gills, and stems reflect a field-based approach typical of botanical artists of the period — capturing both the character and structure of the specimens.
The subdued palette of umber, ochre, and grey-green, along with the finely detailed gill renderings, emphasises the scientific purpose of the work while retaining a quiet artistic sensibility. The Latin names follow pre-modern taxonomic conventions and may reflect classifications that have since evolved, adding historical interest to the piece.
Likely intended for a teaching or research compendium, this sheet exemplifies the period's intersection of art and natural science, offering a small yet evocative window into 19th-century field study.