“Cat's Whiskers or African Cabbage” is a painting from Richard Cresswell’s (1815-1882) collection, done by the illustrious artist, Shaikh Zainuddin. The work depicts the Cat’s Whiskers plant, also known as Cleome gynandra. The leaves of the plant, the part of the plant that are the key aspect of its medicinal value, is shown with its characteristic dark green hue. The curling of the leaves and the soft veins and venules are depicted masterfully by Sheikh Zainuddin, showcasing his complete mastery of Mughal realism and naturalism. The leaves are connected by branches to the stem, all of which are also shown extremely well. At the top of the plant, we see the small white flowers characteristic to the Cat’s Whiskers. A miniature diagram of the plant can also be seen beside the drawing.
This drawing is part of the amateur botanist Richard Cresswell’s collection of mostly botanical Company paintings. The Cat’s Whiskers leaves are a known cure for sinus headaches and chest congestions, as well as for treating tapeworm. When the EIC landed in India, they often contacted diseases alien to them, and were reliant on Indian medical practitioners for cures. This led to the EIC often commissioning artists for depicting medicinal plants in India.
Cat’s Whiskers or African Cabbage is a detailed botanical illustration that emphasizes the beauty and scientific accuracy of the plant. The artist carefully depicts the leaves, flowers, stem, and roots with precise lines and natural colors, making the artwork both educational and visually appealing. The balanced composition and plain background draw attention to the plant’s intricate structure. This combination of artistic skill and botanical observation reflects the importance of documenting plant species while celebrating the elegance of nature.
