Avocado (*Persea gratissima*) Original hand-colored engraving by Turpin, Antique Botanical Print (c.1835)

Alloro pomifero – Avocado (Persea gratissima / Laurus persea)

This original early nineteenth-century engraving depicts the avocado tree, historically classified as Laurus persea and later Persea gratissima, today known as Persea americana. The plate combines botanical authority with strong visual presence, presenting a monumental pear-shaped fruit alongside a detailed sectional view revealing the seed and internal structure.

Produced for the Italian edition of the Dizionario di Scienze Naturali (Florence, Battelli press), the engraving reflects the encyclopedic ambition of the period: exotic species newly integrated into European scientific classification were documented with precision, clarity and aesthetic discipline.

The composition captures the avocado not merely as a tropical fruit, but as a subject of systematic botanical study, supported by floral and anatomical details arranged along the lower margin.

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Visual and Aesthetic Analysis

The engraving is structured around a dominant central fruit, whose smooth volume anchors the composition. The gradation from luminous yellow-green to deeper olive tones creates dimensional realism. Surrounding foliage is rendered with carefully articulated venation, ranging from cool grey-green to warm golden hues.

Particularly striking is the sectional depiction of the fruit: the exposed seed and contrasting purple-toned pericarp introduce chromatic depth and scientific clarity. The sheet balances decorative impact with anatomical precision, making it equally suited to a botanical study, a contemporary interior, or a culinary-inspired setting.

About the Subject

Native to Central and South America, the avocado entered European botanical knowledge during the age of exploration. By the early nineteenth century, naturalists sought to integrate such economically and nutritionally significant species into formal classification systems. The historical denomination “Alloro pomifero” reflects earlier taxonomic attempts to associate the plant with the laurel family. This engraving preserves that transitional moment in botanical science — where global exchange, taxonomy and artistic documentation intersect.

Condition Report

The engraving is in exceptional antique condition, remarkably close to “like brand new.” The sheet presents clean margins and a crisp, well-inked impression. The paper is smooth early nineteenth-century wove paper (non-laid). No watermark has been observed. The original hand-colouring remains fresh and evenly preserved, with no visible losses. The engraved credit “Turpin dis.” confirms the original drawing by Pierre Jean François Turpin.

Details

• Artist: Pierre Jean François Turpin
• Work / Publication: Dizionario di Scienze Naturali – Sacchetti Collection
• Main subject: Alloro pomifero – Avocado – Persea gratissima
• Period: early 19th century
• Technique: Original hand-colored engraving
• Paper: Original smooth wove paper (non-laid)
• Watermark: None observed
• Sheet size: approx. 22 × 14 cm

For further context on Turpin’s contribution to botanical illustration, see:

Pierre Jean François Turpin – The Botanical Illustrator of Natural Harmony