Microscopische weergave van tarwemeel before 1896

This is a microscopic representation of wheat flour by Léon Herlant. It is presented on a spread from a book with French text. During Herlant's time, the scientific gaze and its methods were increasingly applied to everyday subjects. The exploration of the microscopic world offered a new way to understand the fundamental building blocks of life. However, these scientific advancements weren't always neutral. How did they affect societal understanding of things like food, and the labor required to produce it? What was the cultural and economic significance of wheat flour during this period? The image invites us to reflect on the unseen dimensions of our daily lives. The granular texture of the flour, revealed through the lens, offers a unique perspective on something we often take for granted. It encourages us to consider the intricate structures that sustain us. How can a deeper understanding of the material world influence our social and political interactions?