Odontoglossum odoratum var striatum 1885 - 1906

Editor: Here we have Jean Jules Linden’s "Odontoglossum odoratum var striatum," made sometime between 1885 and 1906. It's a watercolor showing a cluster of these delicate, speckled orchids. The detail is just incredible! What catches your eye when you look at this? Curator: The method of production, undoubtedly. Think about the late 19th century. Why create such a meticulous record of this particular orchid? Was it driven by purely scientific botanical interest? Or did the orchid’s commercial value shape its depiction? I wonder about the relationship between botanical illustration and colonial economies. Editor: Colonial economies? How so? Curator: The collecting and categorizing of exotic species, like this orchid, were often tied to colonial expansion. Botanical knowledge was power, facilitating the exploitation of resources and the control of territories. Editor: That’s fascinating, I never thought about it that way. So, this seemingly innocent watercolor… Curator: It's more than meets the eye! The artist’s labor, the materials used - paper, pigments - where did they come from? Who had access to these materials? What’s omitted from the illustration? These are critical questions to explore the cultural and economic landscape. Editor: So, we’re not just looking at a pretty flower, but also considering the means and the implications of its creation. That's a very different way to appreciate botanical art! Curator: Precisely. Understanding the material conditions and the social context redefines our understanding of art and labor.