Leaves 1976

Joan Rosenwald Scott created this etching titled ‘Leaves’ on October 25th, 1976. The image shows several leaves, each a different shape and texture. This image raises questions about the role of the image-maker in elevating the natural world to art. Made in America in the 1970’s, this print is a work of detailed observation and manual skill. Scott has used an etching technique to create an inventory of specimens found in nature. Note how the leaves are all rendered in great detail, with each vein and serration clearly visible. This image evokes the tradition of botanical illustration and taxonomic science. The image is a reminder that scientific and artistic production are not separate activities. To truly understand this image we can turn to sources like archives of printmaking, or even scientific literature about the flora of the northeastern United States. This can help us better appreciate the role of art in shaping our understanding of the world around us.