Cattleya Malouana 1885 - 1906

Jean Jules Linden produced this botanical illustration of Cattleya Malouana, likely in the mid-to-late 19th century. The image embodies the Victorian era's fascination with natural history and its colonial dimensions. During this period, botanical expeditions were often tied to economic and imperial interests. The discovery and classification of new plant species, particularly orchids, became a popular pursuit among wealthy Europeans and Americans. Institutions such as botanical gardens and horticultural societies played a crucial role in promoting and studying these exotic plants. Linden himself was a botanist and explorer who introduced many orchid species to Europe. This illustration, therefore, isn't just a scientific record; it's also a reflection of the social and economic forces driving botanical exploration. To understand it better, one might delve into the archives of institutions that sponsored such expeditions and explore the illustrated journals and publications that made these discoveries accessible to a broader public. Only then can we fully appreciate the cultural significance of this seemingly simple image.