Listera cordata- Heart-leaved Twayblade 1931

Edwin Hale Lincoln made this photogravure, Listera cordata- Heart-leaved Twayblade, at the turn of the last century. The tones are incredibly subtle, almost monochromatic, which gives it a very quiet, contemplative feel. It’s like the image itself is holding its breath. Lincoln’s process really shines through in the details. The texture of the paper is visible, giving a tactile quality to the print. The fine lines of the plants are so delicate, capturing the fragile beauty of these tiny orchids. The light seems to caress the surface, highlighting the minute details of the leaves and blossoms. There's a slight blur to the edges, softening the image and adding to its dreamlike quality. You can almost feel the stillness of the forest floor where these plants were found. It reminds me of Karl Blossfeldt’s plant photography, where the focus is on revealing the hidden structures and forms within nature. Art is always in conversation with what came before, building on ideas and pushing boundaries. It’s about seeing the world in new ways and embracing the beauty of ambiguity.