This rare botanical print contains Plate 286, "Allium Bisulcum" (also called the "Prairie Onion" or "Ail à deux sillons") illustrated by the renowned "Raphael of Flowers," Pierre-Joseph Redouté (1759-1840).The plate comes from Paris publication dated 1802-1816 and included in Redouté's monumental imperial folio "Les Liliacées." Published on behalf of Empress Joséphine Bonaparte, this rare work features magnificent specimens of plants that were growing in her renowned botanical gardens at Château de Malmaison.This remarkable print exemplifies the unique stipple engraving technique used by Redouté. This particular method creates patterns using numerous dots instead of conventional lines to render subtle differences in light, shade, and anatomical structure. The color printing à la poupée and hand coloring make this print truly unique. The print perfectly represents the elegance of this wild onion with its graceful stalks, ribbed characteristics, and umbel flowers.
