Dandelions

Frederick H. Evans

1900s–1920s · Platinum print · Photographs

Inspired by the writings of the Swedish mystic Emanuel Swedenborg (1688–1772) and motivated by a Romantic conception of nature, Evans sought to depict the spiritual forces underlying God’s creation. Capturing trees, cathedral interiors, and landscapes in pristine negatives, Evans brought technical perfection to his subjects. His straight approach to Pictorialist photography, which embraced subtle gradations of tone in printing, was meant to have a revelatory effect. This study of the fragile architecture of two dandelion stalks implies that with close attention even the radiating patterns of seed pods on a common weed can unveil nature’s grand design.

Artist

Frederick H. Evans

Date

1900s–1920s

Medium

Platinum print

Department

Photographs

Credit line

The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1969