Framed Watercolour, 19th Century Fungi Study, Artist Unknown

Title: Fungi Study Sheet – Boletus Fungi
Artist: Unknown
Date: 19th century
Medium: Watercolour and ink on laid paper
Origin: Likely Central or Northern Europe
Dimensions: 30 cm x 25 cm 
Inscription: Boletus ferrugineus (now Leccinum versipelle)
 
This finely rendered 19th-century botanical illustration depicts Boletus ferrugineus, now more accurately identified as Leccinum versipelle — commonly known as the orange birch bolete. The artist captures the distinctive features of the species: the rust-coloured cap, the pale, speckled stalk, and the yellowish sponge-like underside of the cap, shown in cross-section for scientific clarity.
The restrained palette of ochres and umbers highlights the earthy character of the mushroom, while the delicate linework in the gill and stem details reflects the conventions of early naturalist studies. As with other sheets in this group, it likely originated from a personal folio or instructional compendium assembled during a period of growing public and academic interest in the natural sciences.
This particular example stands out for its simplicity and balance — a singular subject, clearly presented, with both visual charm and taxonomic purpose.