Phylloxera Collection

Phylloxera Vastatrix
The PHYLLOXERA VASTATRIX - the tiny insect first noticed in 1865 in southern France and which devastated vineyards for decades to follow : it attacks the plant, not the grapes

Phylloxera
5312146 Phylloxera; (add.info.: Engraving depicting phylloxera, a pest of commercial grapevines worldwide, originally native to eastern North America)

Harvesting grapes in a vineyard in France (chromolitho)
6033211 Harvesting grapes in a vineyard in France (chromolitho) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Harvesting grapes in a vineyard in France)

The Paarl Rock and Vineyards (b / w photo)
3092314 The Paarl Rock and Vineyards (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Paarl Rock and Vineyards)

Homestead, Lourensford, Somerset West (b / w photo)
3092327 Homestead, Lourensford, Somerset West (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Homestead, Lourensford, Somerset West)

Phylloxera (b / w photo)
6009029 Phylloxera (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Phylloxera. Illustration for The Raw Materials of Commerce by J Henry Vanstone (Pitman)

Grape Phylloxera (Daktulosphaira Vitifoliae)
Antique illustration of a Grape Phylloxera (Daktulosphaira Vitifoliae)

GRAPE PHYLLOXERA. Pest to grapevines, originally native to eastern North American. Line engraving, 1874

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Phylloxera Vastatrix, a tiny insect that wreaked havoc on the wine cultivation industry in Italy and France. This destructive pest caused a crisis in the vineyards, leading to significant losses for winemakers. One can only imagine the devastation caused by Phylloxera when looking at vintage photographs of grape harvesting in French vineyards. The once vibrant and lush fields now lay barren, as this chromolitho captures the aftermath of this disastrous invasion. In an attempt to shed light on the severity of the situation, satirical cartoons dedicated to depicting the wine-growing crisis caused by Phylloxera emerged. These illustrations served as a reminder of how this minuscule creature had such immense power over an entire industry. Moving across continents, black and white photos showcase iconic locations affected by Phylloxera's wrath. The Paarl Rock and Vineyards stand tall but bear witness to their struggle against this relentless pest. Similarly, Homestead Lourensford in Somerset West stands as a testament to resilience amidst adversity. Even though captured in monochrome hues, these images convey both loss and determination. They serve as reminders that even nature's most formidable challenges cannot break human spirit or halt progress. Le Rire's colorful lithograph illustrates yet another facet of society grappling with Phylloxera's impact - British London satire caricatures comics cartoon illustrations humorously depict how people coped with this crisis through wit and humor. As time went on, efforts were made to combat Phylloxera's devastating effects. HERAULT DAY became synonymous with hope for winemakers battling against this insidious enemy. It symbolized unity among those who refused to let their passion for viticulture be destroyed by these voracious insects. Grape Phylloxera (Daktulosphaira Vitifoliae) may have left its mark on history books forever; however, it also taught invaluable lessons about perseverance and adaptation within the wine industry.