Habenaria peramoena- Fringeless Purple Orchid 1931

Edwin Hale Lincoln made this photograph of Habenaria peramoena, or the Fringeless Purple Orchid, at an unspecified date. The almost grey scale tonality and soft focus of the image give it a dreamy, otherworldly quality, which suits the subject matter so well. There's a real sense of care in the composition, the way the two orchids are placed, mirroring each other, but not exactly - more like siblings. The lighting, too, is exquisite, casting delicate shadows that emphasize the intricate details of the flowers. I especially love the way Lincoln has captured the texture of the petals, they seem almost velvety to the touch, despite being a photograph. This image reminds me a little of the photograms made by Anna Atkins, who recorded different species of algae - there is a similar desire to record a particular specimen, combined with a very specific artistic sensibility. Ultimately, this photograph is a reminder of the beauty and fragility of the natural world, and the power of art to capture it, if only for a moment.