Spiranthes vernalis- Narrow-leaved Ladies' Tresses 1931

This is Edwin Hale Lincoln's "Spiranthes vernalis- Narrow-leaved Ladies' Tresses", and it looks like he made it into a print. The photographic process is such that the world seems to present itself, the image arrives as a gift, but the artist has made choices about the staging and composition. I am drawn to the way these wildflowers are arranged; each stem and flower is rendered with such clarity. Lincoln’s method has a kind of scientific feel, but it doesn’t take away from the beauty. Look closely at the textured surface of the print; the light catches on the grain of the paper, giving a subtle depth. The delicate gradations of tone, from the soft greys of the background to the crisp whites of the petals, create a sense of volume and presence. It reminds me of Karl Blossfeldt, who captured the minute details of plants with an almost surreal precision, revealing hidden structures and patterns. This piece is an invitation to slow down, observe, and appreciate the intricate beauty of the natural world.