I'm a bit thrilled about this! The image, which I discuss in The Lost Orchid, was made in the early 1820s. It's the first (European) illustration of an orchid that would obsess generations - sort of a botanical pinup #LostOrchid
This is how orchid-hunting was represented in 19th cent British lit: brave hunter goes on expedition, pushes through undergrowth and at last, gasp, there it is. Letters show that isn't what happened at all - hunters found knowledgeable locals who showed them the way #lostorchid
Obviously I’m biased but I do think this would make a great gift for an orchid-lover - no ice cubes needed! #lostorchid
