[Dandelion Seeds] 1858

This photogenic drawing of dandelion seeds was made by William Henry Fox Talbot, one of photography’s earliest pioneers. The image itself, made in England, is a fascinating demonstration of the cultural status of photography in its early years. On the one hand, it partakes in an older tradition of botanical illustration that was prevalent in Western Europe at this time. On the other hand, it represents a shift in that tradition, using the latest technology to depict a common wildflower. Talbot's choice of subject matter and the photogenic drawing process he used can be seen as a democratizing force, making the natural world more accessible. As a cultural historian, I might compare this image to earlier botanical illustrations and scientific documents in archives. Such research can reveal the complex ways in which new technologies transform our understanding of the world.