Botanical Study of Leaves (possibly Rough Silkweed / Asclepias)
Drawing/Work on paper • Anonymous; likely an amateur naturalist or student of botanical illustration. Inscribed 'rough' or 'tougl', possibly a species identifier.
Style & Movement
Botanical Illustration / Realism
Medium & Technique
Ink and wash on fibrous paper; graphite or ink outlines with monochromatic watercolor/ink wash infill.
Creation Period
Late 19th to Mid 20th Century
Dimensions & Format
Small format; estimated 4x6 inches; vertical/portrait orientation.
Subject Description
A close-up study of a leaf-bearing stem. The leaves are ovate with serrated-like veining patterns. The composition is a vertical botanical fragment characteristic of scientific field studies.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; showing age-appropriate toning of paper and minor surface impurities.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely from a disbound sketchbook or natural history collection. Vertical inscription suggests a working study.
Art Historical Significance
Illustrates the tradition of amateur botanical documentation. While not by a major master, it reflects the widespread Victorian and early 20th-century practice of nature journaling.
Notable Features
Handwritten cursive inscription on the left side ('tough' or 'rough') which serves as a field note for the texture of the plant specimen.
Condition Issues
Paper yellowing (foxing/toning), minor smudging of ink, and slight waviness of the paper support due to moisture sensitivity of the wash.
Conservation Recommendations
Mount using acid-free materials; keep away from direct UV light to prevent fading of the wash; humidity-controlled environment to prevent further paper oxidation.