{"product_id":"water-plantain-alisma-plantago-plate-31-by-pierre-joseph-redoute-1805","title":"Water Plantain (Alisma plantago, Plate 31) by Pierre Joseph Redouté, 1805","description":"\u003cp\u003ePierre-Joseph Redouté’s \u003cem\u003eLes Liliacées, Pl. 31\u003c\/em\u003e, dating from 1805, presents water-plantain under the botanical name \u003cem\u003eAlisma Plantago\u003c\/em\u003e. The plant rises through an exceptionally spacious cream ground: broad, glossy leaves spread from a purple-red base, while slender branching stems carry pale flowers, pink-tipped petals and numerous green buds. The contrast between the substantial foliage below and the airy constellation of blossoms above gives the specimen both botanical clarity and an effortless compositional grace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe plate belongs to Redouté’s celebrated \u003cem\u003eLes Liliacées\u003c\/em\u003e, published between 1805 and 1816. Redouté was among the leading botanical artists working in France at the turn of the nineteenth century, when natural-history illustration served scientific study while also appealing to collectors as an art of exceptional refinement. His reputation rested on precisely the qualities visible here: close observation, lucid arrangement and an ability to preserve the individuality of a living plant without sacrificing elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA closer look\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition begins with three elongated leaves that fan out across the lower half of the plate. Their gently undulating edges prevent the arrangement from becoming rigid, while fine veins run through their green surfaces in carefully controlled lines. Subtle darker margins give each leaf definition, and the slight variations in tone suggest a smooth, reflective texture rather than a flat block of colour. At the centre, the foliage gathers around a warm purple-red section at the base of the stems, a small but vivid accent within the predominantly green and cream palette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom this dense lower structure, the eye is led upwards along increasingly delicate stems. Open flowers are interspersed with tight green buds, so that the plant is represented at more than one stage of growth. The flowers themselves are remarkably restrained: small white petals carry faint blush-pink markings at their tips, with fine stippling adding substance to forms that might otherwise disappear into the pale ground. The asymmetrical distribution of buds and blossoms makes the specimen appear naturally branching, yet the entire silhouette remains balanced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBeneath the plant, the inscription names it as “\u003cem\u003eAlisma Plantago\u003c\/em\u003e” and includes the French “Plantain d’eau”, or water-plantain. The line “P.J. Redouté pinxt.” identifies Redouté as the artist. These understated captions anchor the illustration in the conventions of botanical publication, but they are kept visually subordinate to the specimen itself; the generous negative space allows every stem, vein and petal to remain distinct.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eContext and significance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRedouté worked during a period of intense European interest in identifying, classifying and publishing the natural world. Botanical plates had to communicate recognisable structures accurately, yet ambitious publications were also objects of cultivated taste. His work occupies this fertile territory between science and decorative art. Rather than isolating individual anatomical fragments, this plate presents the plant as a coherent living form, its growth pattern made intelligible through careful selection and arrangement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe study is especially effective in its progression from weight to lightness: substantial leaves establish the plant at the base, then fine stems dissolve into buds and tiny flowers above. That measured transition, together with the restrained touches of pink and purple-red, turns a precise botanical record into an image of unusual visual poise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChoosing the right size and finish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eArtwork can feel intimate at smaller sizes and dramatically more architectural at larger ones. Use the room preview, model image and size guide to see how the proportions and scale will work in your space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you need an exact size, specialist framing or help planning a larger display, \u003ca href=\"\/it\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eask our workshop for advice\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe model in the listing images is holding the 36x24in (90x60cm) version of this art print.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, or one considered visual detail. \u003ca href=\"\/it\/pages\/map-personalisation\"\u003eSee examples of personalised artwork\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChoose Original to retain the colour and character of the source artwork, or Aged for a warmer, more antique appearance. \u003ca target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/it\/pages\/sepia-aged-maps\"\u003eSee examples of our Aged artwork\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEvery piece is produced to archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte art paper. Choose an art print, framed art print or framed canvas using the finish options above.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFramed art prints use crystal-clear optical acrylic for excellent clarity, lower weight and safer delivery than glass. Each piece arrives professionally framed and ready to hang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSelected artworks can be produced at statement sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). Custom sizing and \u003ca target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/it\/pages\/custom-framing\"\u003especialist framing\u003c\/a\u003e are also available. If the exact option you need is not listed, \u003ca target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/it\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003econtact our workshop\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Unique Maps Co.","offers":[{"title":"A4 (210x297mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59998154654080,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A4 (210x297mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59998154686848,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A4 (210x297mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59998154719616,"sku":null,"price":70.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x18in (30x45cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59998154752384,"sku":null,"price":39.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x18in (30x45cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59998154785152,"sku":null,"price":105.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x18in (30x45cm) \/ Framed 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