Spathoglottis plicata 1885 - 1906

This print of a Spathoglottis plicata is by Jean Jules Linden. It's a chromolithograph, a process using multiple lithographic stones, each applying a different color to achieve a vibrant, layered effect. The intense colors and fine detail are crucial. Each color required a separate stone, meticulously prepared and aligned, representing a significant investment of labor. The process allowed for mass production of images with a painterly quality, making botanical illustrations like this accessible to a wider audience. Consider the context: the 19th century saw a boom in scientific exploration and colonial expansion. Botanical illustrations like this one fueled both scientific study and popular fascination with the exotic. The chromolithograph, in essence, becomes a tool of empire, democratizing knowledge while also participating in the systems of exploitation that made such knowledge possible. So next time you see a print, remember it’s not just an image. It's a product of complex material processes, social forces, and cultural values.