Study of plant seeds in red chalk
An ear-like cluster of seeds with radiating awns
Drawn in red chalk (sanguigna), this study shows a dense, ear-like cluster of overlapping oval seeds arranged along a central axis, from which long thin lines fan outward to either side like awns or bristles. A smaller, more schematic herringbone sketch appears lower on the leaf. The V&A caption identifies the subject as plant seeds (semi vegetali).
On this page
Cluster of plant seeds with radiating awns
A tight, ear-shaped mass of oval seeds is stacked along a vertical axis, each seed shaded in red chalk. Long slender strokes spread symmetrically to both sides, evoking the awns or bristles of a ripe seed head. A fainter, schematic herringbone version is sketched below.