Aerides Odoratum 1885 - 1906

Jean Jules Linden, the Belgian botanist, created this illustration of Aerides Odoratum. His botanical work was produced during an era of intense colonial expansion, and the image reflects the intersection of scientific discovery and colonial exploitation. The orchid, native to Southeast Asia, carries a history far beyond its aesthetic appeal. European botanists like Linden played a significant role in documenting and classifying plant species from colonized lands, contributing to a Western understanding of the natural world while often overlooking indigenous knowledge and uses. Linden’s detailed illustration captures the orchid’s delicate beauty, yet it also symbolizes the complex relationship between Europe and its colonies, where botanical exploration was intertwined with economic and political interests. The "exotic" orchid became a symbol of wealth and status in Europe, fueling a demand that had significant environmental impacts on its native habitats.