Botanical Study 1767 - 1787

Mary Delany made this botanical study sometime in the 18th century, using intricately cut paper and paste. It's not painting, not exactly collage; it's something in between. Delany’s method involved layering tiny pieces of colored paper to achieve a lifelike rendering of plants. This painstaking process required a deep understanding of botany, of course. But also a great deal of patience and dexterity. The texture of the paper creates a delicate relief, giving the impression of depth and volume. The choice of materials – paper, paste – speaks to a domestic context, but also to Delany’s ambition. She sought to elevate a traditionally feminine craft to the level of high art. The level of detail suggests not just observation, but also a kind of empathy, even love. In a time when women’s creative labor was often dismissed, Delany’s "paper mosaicks" stand as a testament to the power of craft. They show that careful making can be a form of knowledge.