Liparis lilifolia- Large Twayblade 1931

Edwin Hale Lincoln made this photogravure of the Large Twayblade, or Liparis lilifolia. It is one of many images documenting plant species, yet this one reflects a tension between art and science that’s very much of its time. Born in 1848, Lincoln lived during a period of rapid industrialization and urbanization in the United States. Simultaneously, there was a growing interest in natural history and the conservation movement. Institutions like museums and universities expanded, creating a demand for accurate botanical illustrations. Photography, with its seemingly objective eye, became an important tool. But unlike a scientific record, Lincoln’s composition, with its careful arrangement and tonal range, elevate it to an art object. To fully understand this image, we must consider the institutional frameworks and cultural values that shaped its creation. Exploring the history of photography, the rise of scientific illustration, and the artistic movements of the late 19th century all help us understand the social role of an image like this one.