Cattleya Mendeli 1885 - 1906

Jean Jules Linden made this botanical illustration of Cattleya Mendeli. Linden was a Belgian botanist, explorer, and horticulturist. The mid-19th century, when Linden lived, was a period of intense botanical exploration driven by European colonial expansion. As explorers and scientists traveled to distant lands, they brought back exotic plants which ignited a passion for botany among the upper classes. During this time, orchids were especially prized for their beauty and rarity, symbolizing luxury and refinement. Linden’s botanical illustrations not only reflect the scientific interest in classifying and documenting plant species, but also the aesthetic appreciation of nature that was part of Victorian culture. Botanical art served as a means of both scientific record and artistic expression. This piece provides insight into the cultural values of the time, including our fascination with the natural world and our attempts to capture its beauty through art.