Ruskin, John (1819-1900)

Candytuft 1865
5 1/16 X 2 1/2 in.
Pencil, brown ink and ink wash

Inscribed in brown ink: Seed. Candytuft. J.R. 1865

RF 1525

 

This is the densely- packed seed-head of a member of the genus Iberis (Cabbage family - Brassicaceae), originating from the Iberian Peninsula. Both perennial and annual species and cultivars are commonly grown in gardens, collectively known as Candytufts. The most widely grown are the white-flowered, low-growing, evergreen, semi-shrub Iberis sempervirens, the annual, white or pale purple-flowered Iberis umbellata and the annual, white-flowered Iberis amara. The species depicted in the drawing is not identified, but is probably one of the annual forms.

This entry was researched and written by Professor David Ingram.