Dendrobium wardianum 1885 - 1906

Jean Jules Linden made this print of Dendrobium wardianum through the technique of lithography. It’s a process that relies on the resistance between grease and water to transfer an image onto paper. Consider the inherent qualities of the lithographic process. The smooth surface of the lithographic stone allowed for fine lines and subtle gradations of tone. Linden skillfully built up layers of color, capturing the delicate details of the orchid's petals, stems, and leaves. Lithography allowed for the relatively easy reproduction of images, making botanical illustrations more accessible to a wider audience, at a time of increased enthusiasm for the natural world. It required a division of labor. Linden likely collaborated with skilled printers to produce these images, and the commercial distribution of such prints was tied to wider social issues of labor and consumption in the 19th century. This print challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft by elevating the status of botanical illustration through skilled execution and attention to detail.