Rosier des Indes commun 1817 - 1824

"Rosier des Indes commun" was made by Bessin, a French artist who lived through the tumultuous years of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. While seemingly a simple botanical illustration, this work offers a window into the colonial and scientific explorations of the era. The "Rosier des Indes," or rose of the Indies, reflects the West's fascination with the exotic East. Voyages of discovery brought new specimens back to Europe, sparking intense interest in cataloging and classifying the natural world. Yet, consider the power dynamics inherent in such endeavors. Who gets to name and define? How does this act of naming shape our understanding of the world and its inhabitants? The meticulous detail and scientific precision employed by Bessin reflects a desire to control and categorize nature, mirroring broader colonial ambitions. The rose, a symbol of beauty and refinement, becomes entangled with issues of trade, cultural exchange, and the complex legacy of colonialism.