Dendrobium bracteosum 1885 - 1906

Jean Jules Linden made this print of the Dendrobium bracteosum orchid, but we don’t know exactly when. Linden was a 19th-century botanist and horticulturist from Luxembourg, and is known for his expeditions to South America and his work introducing exotic plants to Europe. It's worth noting that the image creates meaning through its visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. Linden’s work reflects the Victorian era's fascination with natural history and botanical exploration. As Europe expanded its colonial reach, there was a growing interest in documenting and classifying the world's flora and fauna. Institutions like botanical gardens and scientific societies played a significant role in this process, and Linden's work contributed to the scientific understanding and commercial exploitation of exotic plants. Historians can research Linden's expeditions, botanical publications, and the social context of Victorian science to understand the full significance of his botanical illustrations.