Angraecum citratum 1885 - 1906

Jean Jules Linden rendered this Angraecum citratum orchid using watercolor. The image displays careful observation and skilled application of washes and fine brushwork. The materiality of watercolor is interesting here. Typically, we think of it as a delicate, naturalistic medium – well-suited to capturing the ephemerality of flowers. But there's also a commercial aspect to this particular work, because prints like these were highly sought after by wealthy industrialists and collectors, who used them to catalogue their collections. Consider also, the labor involved in producing these images. While Linden was a trained botanist and artist, he likely employed assistants to help with the repetitive tasks of coloring and printing. This hints at the complex social and economic networks behind even seemingly simple artworks. By paying attention to the materials, making, and context, we can better appreciate the full story behind this beautiful botanical illustration.