Tassel Hyacinth

By Pierre-Joseph Redouté

This exquisite stipple engraving, hand-colored in original colors, comes from Les Liliacées, the definitive work of art and science by the "Raphael of Flowers," Pierre-Joseph Redouté. This print features Muscari Comosum (synonymously known as Leopoldia Comosa), better known as the Tassel Hyacinth. The engraving beautifully renders the architecture gradient of the plant. With his signature stipple engraving, Redouté has been able to render the tonal changes, going from the fertile olive brown lower part of the plant to the sterile violet-blue feather tuft atop it.

Also showing off the bulb of the plant, along with its grooves, this engraving is an excellent example of the perfect blend of scientific accuracy and romantic botanical artistry.