Gladiolus cardinalis Curtis. Possibly 1777 - 1786

Curator: This delicately rendered watercolor painting presents Gladiolus cardinalis Curtis, dating from sometime between 1777 and 1786, and rendered by Robert Jacob Gordon. Editor: My immediate impression is of a fragile elegance. The pale watercolor gives it a somewhat ghostly, ethereal quality. The lines are simple but incredibly descriptive. Curator: Absolutely. Gladioli, even depicted like this, often represent remembrance and dignity. Given the era, this flower could be linked to colonial-era narratives and exploration, capturing newly discovered species. The act of depicting a specific flower like this is as symbolic as any coat of arms, asserting possession, knowledge, and legacy. Editor: I find the choice of watercolor particularly interesting here. Its fluidity perfectly complements the organic nature of the subject matter. There's a conscious economy of line, capturing the essence of the flower. Curator: Gordon probably chose the medium because of its ease of use outdoors. The thin paper also helped carry the image in the field. The subtle rendering adds a vulnerability that heightens its cultural weight. Think about how botanical illustrations served to define and claim newly 'discovered' flora at the time. It adds a whole layer of historical meaning onto an image that might look simply aesthetic to modern eyes. Editor: Precisely. What appear as subtle stylistic choices – the delicate lines, the transparent layers of color—underscore a specific way of seeing and documenting nature. Curator: It truly encourages a contemplative view. It’s not just about observing the plant itself, but also engaging with how its image signifies cultural and political perspectives. Editor: Agreed. Examining it through a formal lens gives access to insights well beyond surface appearances. The artwork is rich and informative from whichever lens you choose.