GARZONI, Giovanna
(b. 1600, Ascoli Piceno, d. 1670, Roma)

China Bowl with Figs, a Bird, and Cherries

1651-62
Watercolour on parchment, 260 x 380 mm
Galleria Palatina (Palazzo Pitti), Florence

For her studies of produce, Garzoni painted on the hair side of the parchment, which has more tooth, or texture, than the flesh side. She may have liked the additional depth that the support gave her colours.