Botanisk radering 1850 - 1899

Editor: Here we have "Botanisk radering", a botanical etching by Augusta Thornam, made sometime between 1850 and 1899. It's very detailed and scientific-looking, but also strangely beautiful. What catches your eye when you look at this print? Curator: Immediately, I’m thinking about the rise of scientific illustration and its impact on art institutions at the time. How did an increased emphasis on botanical accuracy influence art's broader public role? This print exists in the space between science and art, occupying a particular niche that says a lot about societal values in the mid-to-late 19th century. Editor: That’s interesting. So, you’re saying this isn't just a picture of plants, but something reflecting the scientific culture of the time? Curator: Precisely. Museums were evolving, becoming more systematic in their collecting and displays. Consider also that botanical illustrations were also used for colonial exploitation: cataloging and claiming ownership over resources from distant lands. Knowing this piece resides at the SMK in Denmark gives us insight into its socio-political context. I wonder, how might this etching have been displayed and used within Danish society? Was it intended as a tool for scientific learning, or something of aesthetic value, or both? Editor: So, it makes me think about accessibility and who was looking at it back then. Not everyone would have had access to art like this. Curator: Exactly. It raises questions about class and education. And what does it say about women artists engaging with science during that time? Editor: I see what you mean. This seemingly simple image opens up so many bigger discussions! It's made me realize that even a botanical illustration is tied into cultural and historical power dynamics. Curator: Absolutely. Recognizing these influences allows us to read so much more into this work.