Golden Chasselas Grape (*Vitis vinifera*) var. Chasselas doré, Antique botanical print by Bessa (c.1801-1819)

French Cultivated Grapes (Chasselas doré) — A Warm Orchard Study in Soft Green-Gold Tones

This original early 19th-century botanical engraving depicts Vitis vinifera as a cultivated French variety identified in the plate as Chasselas doré. The composition presents a single grape cluster suspended beneath a broad vine leaf, accompanied by small auxiliary studies illustrating stages of growth and floral structure.

Pancrace Bessa renders the fruit with a restrained, natural palette dominated by soft green and golden hues, subtly warmed by delicate blush tones. The grapes are rounded and gently modelled, conveying ripeness without excess, while the large leaf above provides a strong structural counterpoint.

Issued as part of Arbres et Arbustes, this plate reflects the period’s dual interest in visual harmony and botanical instruction, combining an appealing orchard subject with informative secondary details.

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Visual and Aesthetic Analysis

The composition is balanced around a gentle diagonal movement, with the cluster descending in a compact form and the leaf acting as a broad visual anchor. The repetition of rounded grapes creates a calm rhythm, softened by slight variations in size and tone.

Fine stipple engraving and controlled hand-colouring give the fruit a softly luminous presence. The overall effect is understated and elegant, favouring botanical clarity over dramatic contrast.

About the Subject

The plate is identified in the original publication as a cultivated grapevine variety:

• Scientific name: Vitis vinifera
• Category: Vigne cultivée (cultivated vine)
• Variety (as printed): Chasselas doré

Chasselas varieties were widely cultivated for their balanced flavour and visual appeal, and this plate documents the golden-toned form with clarity and restraint.

Condition Report

The engraving is in good antique condition. Light toning is present in several areas, with more noticeable toning along the left margin. These age-related marks do not affect the printed image itself and are consistent with an early 19th-century work on original paper. The hand-colouring remains intact. No watermark has been observed. The engraved credits “P. Bessa pinx.” and “A. Legrand sculp.” are present.

Details

• Artist: Pancrace Bessa
• Engraver: A. Legrand
• Work / Publication: Arbres et Arbustes
• Period: early 19th century (c. 1801–1819)
• Technique: Original hand-colored engraving
• Paper: Original period paper
• Watermark: None observed
• Sheet size: approx. 40 × 25 cm

For insight into Pancrace Bessa’s distinctive hand-colouring techniques, see our editorial feature on Pancrace Bessa:

Pancrace Bessa: the Naturalist Painter of Botanical Grace