Onion Leaf Ixia

By Pierre-Joseph Redouté

An outstanding specimen of Golden Age botanical art, this stipple engraving showcases the elegance and grace of the Onion Leaf Ixia (Ixia Cepacea, known also as Ixia à feuilles d'oignon). This wonderful artwork was executed by the renowned French artist and botanic illustrator known as the "Raphael of Flowers," Pierre-Joseph Redouté, in his masterpiece, "Les Liliacées," published in the 19th century (Plate 96).

Indeed, the revolutionary approach to botanical engraving pioneered by Redouté is seen in full force in this print with its color-printed stipple engraving completed by painstaking hand-coloring. In addition to capturing the soft color of the flower petals in all their glory, the composition beautifully portrays the details of the exposed bulb and the delicate root system of this species.