Botanisk radering 1850 - 1899

Augusta Thornam made this botanical etching on paper, titled 'Botanisk radering', in Denmark. It provides a detailed study of a plant’s anatomy. Such images were not simply about scientific accuracy; they reflect the cultural values of the time. During the 19th century, scientific illustration gained popularity, fueled by growing interest in botany. Institutions like botanical gardens and museums played a key role. They commissioned artists to document plant species, driven by exploration, trade, and the need for clear botanical knowledge. These detailed depictions aided scientific research but also spoke to the aesthetics of the time, emphasizing order and the beauty of the natural world. To fully appreciate an image like this, we can examine institutional records to better understand the social, economic, and scientific contexts of its creation. We can see it not only as an aesthetic object, but as a cultural artifact that reflects the values of its time.