Bladeren van een Rabarberachtige plant 1834 - 1879

Cornelis Johannes de Vogel painted "Leaves of a Rhubarb Plant" using pen and watercolor in the 19th century. This seemingly simple botanical study exists within a complex history of scientific exploration and colonial expansion. During this era, detailed depictions of flora and fauna served not only scientific purposes but also symbolized the power of colonial empires to classify and control the natural world. The very act of isolating and portraying this rhubarb plant can be seen as a reflection of the broader societal impulse to categorize and dominate nature. De Vogel's careful rendering invites us to consider the intersection of art, science, and power, prompting us to reflect on the historical context that frames our perception of the natural world. What does it mean to extract and examine a single element of nature?