Corallorrhiza trifida- Early Coral Root 1931

Edwin Hale Lincoln produced this photogravure print, "Corallorrhiza trifida- Early Coral Root," with great precision. The subdued monochromatic palette and the almost clinical sharpness of the photographic medium invite a focused, unemotional contemplation. Lincoln’s composition arranges three distinct botanical specimens against a neutral backdrop, each differentiated by form and texture. On the left, the fern exhibits a complex, feathery structure, contrasting with the smooth, elongated stems of the two coral root plants to the right. This juxtaposition establishes a visual rhythm that moves from intricate to simple, rough to smooth, drawing the eye across the frame. The stark presentation and meticulous arrangement suggest an interest in scientific cataloging. However, the carefully calibrated balance and stark aesthetic also evoke a deeper engagement with the formal possibilities of photography. Lincoln seems less concerned with the natural, untamed aspects of his subjects and more with the potential for capturing and ordering the natural world through the lens of photographic technology. This work is not simply a record but an aesthetic and intellectual exercise.