Spiranthes cernua- Nodding Ladies' Tresses 1931

Edwin Hale Lincoln created this gelatin silver print, "Spiranthes cernua- Nodding Ladies' Tresses" some time during his career. The print's composition, dominated by vertical lines and a muted grayscale, evokes a sense of scientific precision. Lincoln’s sharp focus and the even lighting across the stems and delicate blooms of the Spiranthes cernua are presented in a minimalist arrangement against a neutral background. The plants are arranged with a subtle rhythm, drawing the eye upward along each stem. Lincoln appears to be utilizing the visual language of botany to challenge our understanding of the relationship between art and science. The act of capturing these botanical specimens transforms them into something more than just a record. Ultimately, this photograph invites us to reflect on how we perceive and categorize the natural world, as well as how these images both reflect and shape our understanding of structure in art.