Untitled 1873

This stereograph, created by John P. Soule in the 19th century, depicts a wreath of skeleton leaves. But what exactly are 'skeleton leaves'? They are created through a process that involves stripping away the soft tissue of a leaf, leaving only its delicate vein structure. This was achieved either through natural decomposition – burying leaves in the earth – or by boiling them in a solution of lye. It’s an odd combination of natural science and craft, and speaks to the Victorian obsession with collecting and classifying the natural world. Soule likely sourced and assembled these fragile skeletons himself, before capturing their ethereal beauty with the then-modern photographic technique. The photographic process itself demanded considerable labor and expertise. This image invites us to consider the intricate relationship between art, nature, and industry. It's a reminder that even the most seemingly straightforward image can be a testament to human ingenuity, technical innovation, and the allure of the natural world.