Vlakken met afrikaantjes, tabaksplant en ginkgo before 1897

This print, titled "Vlakken met afrikaantjes, tabaksplant en ginkgo," presents us with botanical studies of marigolds, tobacco plants, and ginkgo. Its anonymous origin invites us to consider the changing role of the artist. Made at a time when photography was becoming more accessible, this artwork reflects the evolving relationship between art and science. The detailed depiction of plants aligns with the scientific interests of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, an era that saw significant developments in botany. The ginkgo, known for its resilience and unique leaf shape, may have been chosen to symbolize adaptability and survival in a rapidly changing world. The marigold, often associated with the sun and warmth, could represent optimism. The tobacco plant reminds us of global trade and colonization. To fully understand this print, one could delve into the history of botanical illustration, exploring how artists and scientists collaborated to document and classify the natural world. We can ask, was this made for scientific or aesthetic purposes?