Odontoglossum duvivierianum 1885 - 1906

Jean Jules Linden rendered this Odontoglossum duvivierianum, or Orchid, with delicate precision. The six-pointed star motif on its petals—painted in mottled yellows and browns—evokes feelings of natural curiosity and wonder. The orchid's star shape is no accident. Throughout history, the star, a symbol of guidance and enlightenment, has undergone constant reinvention and transformation. From guiding the Magi to Bethlehem to adorning countless national flags, the star’s essence persists, yet its meaning shifts with cultural currents. The orchid itself, once a rare and exotic bloom, now proliferates in our global markets, democratizing access to its beauty. Yet, the enduring allure of the orchid—like the steadfast symbol of the star—lies in its power to ignite our primal longings for discovery, sparking a sense of renewal and forward momentum. A poignant reminder that our cultural symbols are never truly fixed, they forever evolve as they echo through time.