Jack by the Hedge (Alliaria)

Anselmus Boëtius de Boodt, 1596 - 1610

It is unclear where the name ‘Jack by the hedge’ came from. It is thought that it may stem from the slang ‘jacks’ for toilet due to its smell; when rubbing the leaves the plant releases a garlicky smell. Despite its other nickname, hedge garlic, it is botanically unrelated to garlic species. However, it was and still is often used in cooking.

  • Artwork typedrawing
  • Object numberRP-T-BR-2017-1-10-75
  • Dimensionsheight 310 mm x width 190 mm
  • Physical characteristicspenseel in waterverf en dekverf over zwart krijt, handschrift in pen in bruin