{"product_id":"commelina-persicarifolia-plate-51-by-pierre-joseph-redoute-1805","title":"Commelina persicarifolia (Plate 51) by Pierre Joseph Redouté, 1805","description":"\u003cp\u003ePierre-Joseph Redouté’s \u003cem\u003eLes Liliacées, Plate 51\u003c\/em\u003e, dated 1805, presents \u003cem\u003eCommelina persicarifolia\u003c\/em\u003e as a poised, upright specimen against a spacious cream ground. A slender central stem supports long, arching leaves in finely graduated greens, culminating in a small blue flower with a pale centre. The scale of the foliage makes the bloom seem almost jewel-like: a concentrated note of colour above the quieter rhythm of stems and leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe plate belongs to Redouté’s celebrated \u003cem\u003eLes Liliacées\u003c\/em\u003e, issued in the early nineteenth century, when botanical illustration served scientific study while also appealing to a growing appreciation of plants as aesthetic subjects. Often described as the “painter of flowers”, Redouté became renowned for reconciling close botanical observation with exceptional compositional refinement. Here, classification does not result in a dry diagram. The specimen retains its irregularities, changes of direction and sense of living growth, while remaining lucid enough for its structure to be studied.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA closer look\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is organised around the plant’s vertical axis, but it is not rigidly symmetrical. Leaves extend alternately from the stem, some rising sharply and others bending outwards in elongated curves. Their overlapping profiles create a gentle visual cadence, leading the eye from the lower stem towards the flower. Subtle indentations show where the leaf bases clasp the stem, while brownish markings around the lower nodes distinguish one stage of growth from another.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRedouté’s handling of green is especially nuanced. The leaves shift from muted olive and sage to fresher yellow-green, with darker veins articulating their length. Delicate stippling and soft tonal transitions suggest the slight undulations of their surfaces without burdening them with heavy shadow. Faint blemishes and variations in colour prevent the foliage from appearing idealised into uniformity; these are observed leaves rather than a decorative shorthand for them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt the top, the blue flower provides the plate’s sharpest chromatic contrast. Fine blue streaks animate the petals around the white centre, while the surrounding green forms frame rather than overwhelm it. The broad, unoccupied ground is equally important: isolating the specimen clarifies each contour and gives even the narrowest leaf room to be read. Beneath the plant, the Latin name “\u003cem\u003eCommelina persicarifolia\u003c\/em\u003e” is paired with the French “Commelina à feuilles de prouvance”, placing the elegant study firmly within the scholarly language of botanical publication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eContext and significance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLes Liliacées\u003c\/em\u003e exemplifies a period in which natural history and refined visual culture were closely intertwined. Botanical plates were expected to communicate distinguishing features—habit, foliage, attachment and flower form—yet Redouté arranged such information with the judgement of an accomplished floral painter. His specimens often appear suspended in pale space, freed from habitat so that their structures can be examined, but composed with enough balance and movement to stand as independent works of art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis plate is particularly compelling for the contrast between its modest flower and expansive foliage. Rather than making colour the dominant attraction, Redouté builds interest through contour, veining and minute tonal change. The result rewards both botanical attention and purely visual looking: a disciplined record of \u003cem\u003eCommelina persicarifolia\u003c\/em\u003e whose quiet asymmetry and restrained palette remain remarkably fresh.\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=\"\/fr\/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=\"\/fr\/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=\"\/fr\/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=\"\/fr\/pages\/custom-framing\"\u003especialist framing\u003c\/a\u003e are also available. If the exact option you need is not listed, \u003ca target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/fr\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003econtact our workshop\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Unique Maps Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59997375365504,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0257\/0344\/8638\/files\/file_aaa4d712-7f7e-4059-b2e6-49e05dfc39e5.jpg?v=1790681843","url":"https:\/\/uniquemaps.co\/fr\/products\/commelina-persicarifolia-plate-51-by-pierre-joseph-redoute-1805","provider":"The Unique Maps Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}