Royal Early Cherry - Botanical poster 50x70cm

Cerasus regalis præcocæ - Early Royal Cherry

In the 18th century, this prestigious cherry was given English nicknames "Cherry Duke" and "May Duke".

However, as early as 1767, the Chartreux nursery referred to it by its French name, Cerise royale ancienne (Ancient Royal Cherry), highlighting its nobility and ancient origins.

This appellation reflects gardeners' enthusiasm for a fruit that, according to Poiteau, should be left to ripen until "almost black" to reveal its full excellence – a patience that the hurried Parisians of the 19th century already refused to observe.

The Royal Cherry tree is a vigorous tree with thick, short branches, initially upright then horizontal, bearing remarkably thick, glossy yellowish-green buds, turning coppery in the sun.

Its numerous, oval, and thick leaves, a beautiful green on top and velvety underneath, measure three to four inches.

The conical, reddish fruit buds give rise to three to six large white flowers that redden as they fade.

The fruit, large and rounded, depressed at both poles, measures 22 to 24 mm in diameter. Its glossy skin, initially brownish-red, becomes almost black at full maturity. The flesh, calendula-colored then blackish-purple, offers a sweet and very pleasant juice, with a slight bitterness reminiscent of sour cherry.

Ripe mid-July in the open, as early as mid-June when espaliered, this cherry was often picked too early due to impatience, a regrettable habit that deprived one of an excellent fruit.

This plate is taken from Pierre-Antoine Poiteau and Pierre Jean François Turpin's Traité des Arbres Fruitiers, a botanical encyclopedia published between 1807 and 1835, a major reference for 19th-century naturalist illustration.

It combines the rigor of scientific drawing with a rare artistic sensibility, characteristic of the great plates from the golden age of illustrated botany.

• Each poster is printed using 12-color giclée printing, the benchmark for art studios for reproducing fine tones, subtle gradients, and the most delicate botanical details.
• 200 g/m² paper weight, soft matte finish, 0.26 mm thickness: a finish close to the original engraving, clear, glare-free, designed for hanging.
• Printed on FSC certified paper, individually printed to order.
• Shipped in a rigid protective tube.