La Galande (Peach) from Pomona Londinensis c. 19th century

"La Galande (Peach)" is a botanical illustration by William Hooker, made during a time when scientific illustration was both an art and a crucial form of documentation. Hooker's meticulous depiction reflects the 19th century's fascination with natural history and classification. Yet, this image is not neutral. It embodies the era’s colonial gaze, framing nature as something to be possessed, studied, and ultimately, controlled. Consider the act of isolating the peach. It's removed from its orchard, spotlighted for our observation, rendered passive, and ready for consumption. The cultural values of the time are interwoven here, aren’t they? This piece encourages us to consider our relationship to the natural world. How do we see ourselves in relation to the environment, and what responsibilities come with that perception?