The Botanical Album of Jacques Le Moyne de Morgues

While some museums are closed again due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Apollo’s usual weekly pick of exhibitions will include shows at institutions that remain open as well as digital projects providing virtual access to art and culture.

In 1564, Jacques Le Moyne de Morgues was employed as cartographer and official artist on an ill-fated Huguenot expedition to Florida. His maps and depictions of the New World were published in a book of engravings upon his return to France; later, having fled to England after the St Bartholomew’s Day massacre of 1572, he entered the service of Walter Raleigh. His naturalistic depictions of flora and fauna marked a shift away from medieval symbolism – but for centuries his work was largely forgotten; when the V&A acquired an album of his work in 1856, the reason was the 16th-century French calf binding. It was only in 1922 that Le Moyne’s identification as the author of the 59 exquisite botanical watercolours inside led to a reappraisal of his work; the album, due to go on display as part of the museum’s postponed ‘Renaissance Watercolours’ display (new dates to be announced), has now been fully digitised and is available to leaf through. Explore the album on the V&A’s website.

Preview below | View Apollo’s Art Diary here