{"product_id":"saffron-crocus-crocus-sativus-plate-28-by-pierre-joseph-redoute-1827","title":"Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus, Plate 28) by Pierre Joseph Redouté, 1827","description":"\u003cp\u003ePierre-Joseph Redouté’s \u003cem\u003eChoix des plus belles fleurs, pl. 028\u003c\/em\u003e, published in 1827, presents the saffron crocus (\u003cem\u003eCrocus sativus\u003c\/em\u003e) as a poised botanical specimen rather than a garden scene. Violet blossoms unfold from a cluster of narrow green leaves, their rounded, translucent-looking petals set against a spacious cream ground. The strongest flower occupies the centre of the composition, where deep purple veining, a warm yellow throat and sharply articulated reproductive structures turn a seemingly modest bloom into an intricate study of colour and form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRedouté was among the most celebrated botanical illustrators of his age, earning the epithet “the Raphael of flowers”. His plates united close observation with the refinement expected of early nineteenth-century flower books, publications that could function both as aids to botanical study and as cultivated objects of visual pleasure. The saffron crocus was an especially resonant subject: its vivid stigmas are the source of saffron, long valued as a spice and colouring material. At the foot of the plate, the Latin identification is paired with the French name \u003cem\u003eSafran cultivé\u003c\/em\u003e, anchoring the elegant arrangement in the language of botanical classification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA closer look\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition rises vertically from a compact base. Long, blade-like leaves sweep upwards, particularly at the right, establishing a taut linear rhythm around the softer curves of the flowers. Redouté uses their varying greens to prevent them from reading as a single flat mass: darker tones gather near the lower cluster, while paler passages along the blades suggest their changing angle and slenderness. The leaves also act as a framework, directing attention back towards the blossoms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt the centre, the largest crocus opens broadly towards the viewer. Its petals shift from cool lavender to richer violet, with fine veins following each petal’s outward flare. Subtle tonal transitions indicate folds, overlaps and curling edges without sacrificing the clarity of the specimen. Within the flower, small accents of yellow and warmer colour form a concentrated point of detail. These minute structures are not treated as incidental decoration; their crisp definition reflects the observational purpose underlying Redouté’s graceful presentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLower down, a smaller pinkish-purple bloom emerges among partially enclosed petals and leaves. This layering gives the plate a quiet sense of depth despite the restrained setting. Bud, open flower and foliage are gathered into a compact sequence, allowing different stages and structures to be compared within one harmonious design. The pale ground remains almost entirely unoccupied beyond the plant itself, so that every contour—from the widest petal to the thinnest leaf tip—retains its legibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eContext and significance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eChoix des plus belles fleurs\u003c\/em\u003e belongs to the refined tradition of flower books in which scientific description and decorative arrangement were closely intertwined. Redouté’s achievement lies in preserving both sides of that tradition. The crocus is sufficiently precise to be studied, yet the plate is organised with an artist’s sensitivity to balance: rounded blossoms answer the upright foliage, saturated violet is moderated by fresh greens, and the dense lower cluster opens into generous negative space above and around it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe inscriptions complete this union of art and botany. Written with understated elegance beneath the specimen, “\u003cem\u003eCrocus sativus\u003c\/em\u003e” and “\u003cem\u003eSafran cultivé\u003c\/em\u003e” identify the plant without competing with it. What first appears to be a delicate floral portrait gradually reveals itself as a carefully ordered account of petal, leaf, stigma and growth—an example of Redouté’s unusual ability to make botanical clarity feel effortless.\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=\"\/fr\/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 18x24in (45x60cm) 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=\"\/fr\/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=\"\/fr\/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=\"\/fr\/pages\/custom-framing\"\u003especialist framing\u003c\/a\u003e are also available. If the exact option you need is not listed, \u003ca target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/fr\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003econtact our workshop\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Unique Maps Co.","offers":[{"title":"8x10in (20x25cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59958063235456,"sku":null,"price":53.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"8x10in (20x25cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59958063268224,"sku":null,"price":127.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"8x10in (20x25cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59958063300992,"sku":null,"price":148.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A4 (210x297mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59958063333760,"sku":null,"price":53.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A4 (210x297mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59958063366528,"sku":null,"price":127.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A4 (210x297mm) \/ Framed 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