Odontoglossum lucianianum 1885 - 1906

Jean Jules Linden made this print of Odontoglossum lucianianum, likely in the late 19th century. It's an illustration that blends art and science, reflecting the Victorian era's fascination with natural history and exploration. Orchids, particularly exotic varieties like this one, became highly sought after status symbols at this time. Their collection and cultivation fuelled a global trade, often involving colonial exploitation. So, while this image appears purely scientific, it also speaks to the social conditions of its time: the pursuit of knowledge intertwined with imperial ambition and the display of wealth. By studying the journals of explorers, auction catalogues, and the publications of horticultural societies, we can uncover the complex networks that brought these plants from the rainforest to the drawing rooms of Europe. The beauty we see here is inseparable from the cultural and economic forces that shaped its creation and reception.