Dendrobium stratiotes 1885 - 1906

Jean Jules Linden, a Belgian botanist and horticulturist, produced this image of Dendrobium stratiotes. Although undated, its style firmly places it within the tradition of botanical illustration of the 19th century. Consider how the image carefully balances scientific precision with aesthetic appeal, in a way that reflects the social and cultural values of the period. Botanical illustration was seen as an important tool for scientific research, but also as a form of artistic expression. In the 19th century, there was a growing interest in natural history and exploration, driven in part by European colonialism and the desire to understand and exploit the resources of other lands. This orchid, with its exotic origins, would have appealed to a wealthy and powerful European audience. The social history of this artwork is an interesting field, and would be well researched through archives of botanical gardens and colonial history. It is a reminder that art always takes place within a specific social and institutional context.