Twee vlakvullingen met distels en astrantia before 1897

Here, we see a botanical study of thistles and astrantia, made through photography by an anonymous artist. The detailed and scientific representation of these plants raises interesting questions about the cultural context in which botanical illustration occurred. Consider the time in which it was made and the values of scientific accuracy and objectivity that it represents. Where does this image sit in the history of botanical art? Was it part of an institutional project or part of scientific research? The rise of scientific societies and botanical gardens created a demand for accurate plant illustrations. They were used for identification, documentation, and exchange of knowledge. To truly understand this image, we might look into the archives of scientific societies, botanical gardens, and herbaria to understand the context of its production and use. The meaning of an artwork is not just about its inherent qualities but also about its place within these historical and institutional networks.