{"product_id":"new-zealand-flax-phormium-tenax-plate-27-by-pierre-joseph-redoute-1805","title":"New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax, Plate 27) by Pierre Joseph Redouté, 1805","description":"\u003cp\u003ePierre-Joseph Redouté’s \u003cem\u003eLes liliacées, Pl. 27\u003c\/em\u003e, dated 1805, presents \u003cem\u003ePhormium tenax\u003c\/em\u003e—commonly known as New Zealand flax—as a tall, finely articulated botanical specimen. Rising slightly to the left of centre, its flowering stem carries tiers of buds and small blossoms above a fan of long green leaves. The composition is notably spacious: against the pale cream ground, every curve, vein and branching stalk remains distinct, while muted yellow flowers and reddish-brown accents temper the plant’s dominant greens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe plate belongs to Redouté’s celebrated \u003cem\u003eLes Liliacées\u003c\/em\u003e, produced during a period of intense European interest in botanical classification and the visual recording of plants. Redouté was admired for reconciling two demands that do not always sit easily together: scientific clarity and decorative grace. Here, the specimen is isolated for close study, yet its asymmetry and upward rhythm give it the poise of a carefully arranged floral composition. The inclusion of \u003cem\u003ePhormium tenax\u003c\/em\u003e also reflects the expanding botanical knowledge of the early nineteenth century, when plants encountered beyond Europe were increasingly described, classified and pictured for specialist and cultivated audiences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA closer look\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe eye begins among the leaves at the lower centre. Their blade-like forms spread in different directions, overlapping without becoming visually congested. Fine longitudinal lines suggest the structure of each leaf, while restrained shading turns the otherwise slender shapes into gently rounded surfaces. Along several edges, traces of muted red introduce a subtle warmth; the same colouring becomes more concentrated around the base, binding the separate leaves into a coherent cluster.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom this dense lower arrangement, the principal stem rises with remarkable economy. Its green gradually gives way to warmer yellow and brown tones as it divides into the flowering branches. The blossoms are not treated as a single decorative mass: individual buds appear at different stages, from tightly closed green forms to more open, yellow flowers. These small variations make the upper section reward close attention, revealing the plant’s growth and structure rather than merely recording its general silhouette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA strongly curving leaf on the left provides a counterweight to the upright stem and keeps the composition from feeling diagrammatic. Elsewhere, ample negative space separates the narrow extremities of the plant from one another. Soft tonal transitions create depth without a surrounding habitat or cast shadow, preserving the clarity expected of a botanical plate. At the lower edge, the serif inscription “\u003cem\u003ePhormium tenax\u003c\/em\u003e” anchors the specimen in the language of scientific identification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eContext and significance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDespite its familiar common name, New Zealand flax is not the flax traditionally cultivated for linen. Its long, fibrous leaves gave it a distinct practical and cultural importance in New Zealand, where the plant is known as harakeke and has long been used in Māori weaving and fibre work. Redouté’s plate approaches it through another system of knowledge: the European botanical publication, in which an isolated specimen could be examined, named and compared.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe work’s balance of precision and refinement is characteristic of Redouté’s enduring appeal. Nothing extraneous competes with the plant, yet the plate never feels clinically bare. The sweep of the leaves, the measured ascent of the stem and the minute differences among the buds turn botanical description into an elegant visual sequence—from rooted base to flowering crown.\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":59991619764608,"sku":null,"price":227.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A4 (210x297mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59991619797376,"sku":null,"price":545.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A4 (210x297mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59991619830144,"sku":null,"price":636.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x18in (30x45cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59991619862912,"sku":null,"price":354.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x18in (30x45cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59991619895680,"sku":null,"price":953.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x18in (30x45cm) \/ Framed 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