Cochineal Plantation, Tenerife
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Cochineal Plantation, Tenerife
A photograph taken during the voyage of H.M.S. Challenger (1872-1876), funded by the British Government for scientific purposes. The expedition is believed to have been the first to carry an official photographer
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 8620331
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10713489
Agricultural Agriculture Archive Arthropod Arthropoda Black And White Canary Islands Challenger Cochineal Dactylopius Discovery Hemiptera Hexapod Hexapoda Hms Challenger Insecta Coccoidea
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "Discovering the Crimson Gold: Cochineal Plantation in Tenerife, 1872" This evocative black-and-white photograph captures the essence of scientific exploration during the late 19th century, as documented by the H.M.S. Challenger expedition. The image portrays a Cochineal plantation in Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, during the groundbreaking voyage from 1872 to 1876. Funded by the British Government for scientific purposes, the Challenger expedition is recognized as the first to carry an official photographer, recording the natural wonders of the world and expanding the collective human knowledge base. In this photograph, we witness the intricate details of a Cochineal plantation, where the arthropod Dactylopius coccus thrives. These tiny, red insects belong to the order Hemiptera, specifically the family Dactylopiidae, and are commonly known as Cochineal insects. The insects feed on the succulent leaves of the Opuntia cactus, exuding a crimson-red dye when disturbed. This dye was highly prized in Europe for centuries, used extensively in textiles, cosmetics, and food industries, particularly for producing the famous "Carmine" color. The photograph reveals the labor-intensive cultivation process, with workers carefully tending to the cacti and meticulously harvesting the Cochineal insects. The image also underscores the importance of agriculture in the Canary Islands, which was a significant producer of Cochineal dye during that era. This photograph offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the historical significance of the H.M.S. Challenger expedition and the discovery of the Cochineal insects in Tenerife. It serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration and the quest for knowledge that continues to drive scientific inquiry.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
