Mexican Day-Flower

By Pierre-Joseph Redouté

Experience the graceful elegance of 19th century French imperial gardens through this stunning botanical artwork of the Mexican Day-Flower (Commelina Dubia) by the celebrated "Raphael of Flowers" – Pierre-Joseph Redouté.

What sets this particular piece apart is that it was drawn in preparation for the ultimate folio of the master, Les Liliacées (plate 359), created from 1802 to 1816 at the personal behest of Empress Joséphine Bonaparte. The original illustration was lovingly painted onto fine vellum, right in the imperial gardens of Château de Malmaison.

The special stipple engraving technique employed by Redouté, which consists of creating an intricate pattern of delicate ink dots instead of lines, gives this botanical illustration its renowned soft and life-like definition. This elegant floral print, whose bright blue petals stand in perfect harmony with the stems' natural geometry, will be the perfect finishing touch for traditional, transitional, or minimalist decors.