Vintage Lemon Botanical Print by Ellen Isham Schutt (1908)

Ready-to-hang: Includes hanging kit, ready to hang directly on the wall.
Frame Material: Durable pine wood.
Frame Measurements: 20-25mm (0.79"-0.98") thick, 10-14mm (0.4"-0.6") wide.
Paper Weight: 200 gsm (80 lb), thickness: 0.22 mm (8.7 mils).
Paper Finishing: Matte, smooth, non-reflective surface.
Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass protects the poster.
Sustainable Paper: FSC-certified materials or equivalent.

This is a scientifically precise and beautifully rendered botanical illustration of lemons, painted in 1908 by Ellen Isham Schutt. As a key artist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Pomological Division, Schutt created this watercolor to document the fruit at different stages of ripeness. The top half shows a green, unripe lemon, while the bottom displays the mature, vibrant yellow fruit, with both depicted whole and in cross-section. The artwork is a masterpiece of detail, capturing the textured peel and translucent pulp with stunning realism.

Historical Tidbit

This painting is a relic from California's great "Citrus Gold Rush." In the early 1900s, the citrus industry was booming, transforming Southern California's economy. The USDA, with its team of skilled artists like Ellen Isham Schutt, played a vital role. In a time before reliable color photography, these meticulous watercolor illustrations were essential scientific tools. They helped growers identify fruit varieties, allowed government inspectors to spot diseases, and provided the reference material for the beautiful crate labels that would make California citrus famous across America. This painting wasn't just art; it was a crucial piece of data that helped build a multi-billion dollar industry.

Our sturdy wooden framed posters come ready to hang and are printed on heavyweight white matte paper with a smooth, luxurious finish—designed to stand the test of time: