Rosa indica cruenta (Rosebush of Bengal with Crimson-of-Blood Flowers) 1817 - 1824

François Langlois, also known as Ciartres, created this print of a "Rosebush of Bengal with Crimson-of-Blood Flowers" during a time of significant European expansion and scientific exploration. Botanical illustrations like this one were not simply about documenting nature, they were also deeply intertwined with colonialism and trade. The rose, native to Bengal, becomes a symbol of the exotic "other," brought back to Europe and classified within a Western scientific framework. Notice the delicate detail with which Langlois captures the bloom and the leaves. There’s an almost obsessive quality to the work, revealing a desire to capture and contain the natural world. Yet, the rose's vibrant color and delicate form evoke a sense of vulnerability. The title, with its reference to "crimson-of-blood," introduces a violent undertone, hinting at the exploitation inherent in the colonial project. Consider how this beautiful, yet unsettling image reflects the complex relationship between the West, nature, and the cultures encountered during this period. It prompts us to reflect on the power dynamics embedded in the act of observation and representation.