Untitled

Bertha Evelyn Jaques

Cyanotype

National Gallery of Art

This exquisite cyanotype by Bertha Evelyn Jaques showcases the artist's mastery of camera-less photography, featuring a botanical specimen rendered in the distinctive Prussian blue tones characteristic of the cyanotype process. Jaques, an American artist born in Ohio in 1863, was a pioneering printmaker who co-founded the Chicago Society of Etchers and created over a thousand botanical photograms as part of her dedication to the Wild Flower Preservation Society. The delicate silhouette of the plant specimen against the rich blue background exemplifies her commitment to preserving nature's ephemeral beauty through art, reflecting the Arts and Crafts movement's reverence for handcrafted objects and the natural world. This piece brings a touch of botanical elegance and historical significance to any home, representing both scientific precision and artistic sensitivity.