Vitis Askarie

Ellen Isham Schutt, an American botanical illustrator, made significant contributions to the field of botanical art through her work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 1904 to 1914. Born on April 15, 1873, in Arlington, Virginia, Schutt was raised in Cherrydale, a community her father helped shape. Her artistic legacy includes over 700 watercolors of fruits and nuts, showcasing both common and exotic species, as well as the effects of pests and diseases on these plants. Schutt's meticulous style contributed to the USDA's Pomological Watercolor Collection, a valuable resource for agricultural and botanical studies. Beyond her professional achievements, Schutt was deeply involved in her community and heritage. She constructed 'Ellenwood,' a pioneering neoclassical home in Cherrydale, notable for its concrete construction and early adoption of electricity. Alongside her mother, she engaged in genealogical research, preserving the Wallis family history for future generations. Her dedication to heritage and community was further evidenced by her role as the state recording secretary for the Virginia chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1914. Schutt's life and work reflect a blend of artistic precision, innovation, and a deep commitment to preserving both natural and familial histories.