Aloe paintings by Georg Dionysius Ehret and Jacobus van Huysum Volume of botanical paintings of aloes, 27 made to record the important collection of aloes at Chelsea. Five are by van Huysum and 22 by Ehret. They provide a unique pictorial record of the collection as it was at that time (1734-1737), provide a new opportunity to assess the work of the two artists at this particular period in their respective careers, and provide a key as to which species were in cultivation in the Chelsea Physic Garden, including an indication that in some cases the species grown were not those listed in the various catalogues of the Garden. These drawings of Aloes are not the earliest pictures of Chelsea plants, but they are the earliest accurate representations, and are the only known attempt in the history of the Garden to record the entire collection of a particular genus in this way. All but one of the drawings by Ehret in this collection bear his signature, in the form 'G.D.Ehret fecit'. The name of the plant is also written in his own hand. The whole plant is shown, with enlarged details of flower structure, including the relative lengths of stamens and style, and the arrangement of the bracts. In at least one drawing Ehret shows the small spines on the underside of the leaves. The majority of his surviving work dates from later periods, so this collection is of special interest. The five drawings by Jacob or Jacobus van Huysum (1665-1746) in this volume are some of the best examples of his work, and are freer and sketchier than those of Ehret, in some cases he rather than Ehret appearing to capture the true nature of the plant. The van Huysum drawings have the name of the species written in a different hand to the signature, possibly that of Philip Miller, who was involved in setting the project in train. In the Council Minutes [CMO 3 page 179], it is recorded 'Mr Miller's Bill for twenty six Drawings of different Species of Aloes and other Plants in their proper Colours by Mr Van Huysum and Mr Ehret according to an Order of Council amounting to £11.15.0. was agreed to by Ballot, and ordered to be paid.' 1737