Lycaste costata 1885 - 1906

Jean Jules Linden created this botanical illustration of the Lycaste costata orchid using lithography. The composition is defined by the striking contrast between the pale, delicate yellow of the flowers and the robust, deep green of the plant's leaves and bulbs. This juxtaposition creates a visual tension that draws the eye, highlighting the orchid's delicate beauty against its sturdy foundation. The use of line in this print is particularly noteworthy. Linden employs fine, precise lines to delineate the intricate details of the flower petals, capturing their subtle textures and contours. In contrast, the leaves and bulbs are rendered with broader, more fluid lines, creating a sense of volume and solidity. Consider how Linden used the interplay of line and color to not only depict the plant accurately but also to imbue it with a sense of vitality. The Lycaste costata comes alive through Linden's masterful manipulation of form.