Parkinsonia aculeata 1738

Jan Wandelaar created this print of Parkinsonia aculeata, also known as the Jerusalem thorn, during the 18th century. During this time, the classification and depiction of plants became increasingly systematic, reflecting Europe's growing imperial reach and scientific ambitions. Wandelaar's detailed rendering invites us to consider the plant's origins and its place within these colonial narratives. The Parkinsonia aculeata, native to the Americas, was transported across the globe, becoming a symbol of both botanical curiosity and colonial exchange. The plant sits passively for observation but its journey and relocation speak to issues of exploitation and displacement. Consider the power dynamics inherent in botanical illustrations of this era, where European scientists and artists classified and cataloged the natural world. This piece prompts us to think about whose knowledge is valued and whose stories are told.