Coelogyne peltastes 1885 - 1906

Jean Jules Linden created this botanical illustration of "Coelogyne peltastes." Linden was a botanist and explorer who specialized in orchids, a flower that gained immense popularity during the Victorian era. These illustrations, which were commissioned for publications, reveal an interesting intersection of scientific observation and aesthetic appreciation. This image speaks to the burgeoning scientific exploration of the 19th century, a period in which European powers expanded their reach around the globe. Botanical illustration served not only as a record of newly discovered species but also as a symbol of man's ability to categorize and classify the natural world. Further research into colonial trade routes and the popularity of horticulture during this time would offer valuable context. The meaning of this image, therefore, shifts depending on our historical understanding of the social and institutional contexts in which it was made and received.