Viper’s Bugloss / Echium vulgare
Artist
Elizabeth (Bessie) Murray Tyler
(American, 1892 - 1980)
CultureAmerican
Dateca. 1934
MediumWatercolor and graphite
DimensionsOverall: 12 3/8 x 9 in. (31.5 x 22.9 cm)
Overall, Mat: 19 1/4 x 14 1/4 in. (48.9 x 36.2 cm)
Overall, Mat: 19 1/4 x 14 1/4 in. (48.9 x 36.2 cm)
SignedNo signature, no date.
InscribedYears ago simple folk believed that each plant was marked with a sign to indicate its special use. They thought this plant with its small seeds shaped like serpents’ heads would really cure snake bite. This genus takes its name from Echis, Greek for viper. Grows in fields and wayside banks from May through September. An escape from England, where it was once a mighty army. A few refugees reached here in 1683. [edited transcription]
Credit LineMuseum collection
Object number41.45.63
Not on view
DescriptionPart of the Tidewater Wildflowers series, done as a WPA Project. Watercolor depicting Vipers Bugloso. Folded horizontally at almost center.Label TextViper’s Bugloss / Echium vulgare, ca. 1934 Watercolor and graphite Years ago simple folk believed that each plant was marked with a sign to indicate its special use. They thought this plant with its small seeds shaped like serpents’ heads would really cure snake bite. This genus takes its name from Echis, Greek for viper. Grows in fields and wayside banks from May through September. An escape from England, where it was once a mighty army. A few refugees reached here in 1683. Museum collection 41.45.63 Exhibition HistoryShown at June 1970 meeting of the Chevy Chase, Maryland, Garden Club by (Mrs. John A.) Virginia Tyler Webster Horticulture Chairman. "Tidewater Wildflowers: Watercolors by Bessie Tyler," Willoughby-Baylor House, Norfolk, VA, April 16, 2015 - March 6, 2016.
