{"product_id":"new-zealand-flax-phormium-tenax-plate-28-by-pierre-joseph-redoute-1805","title":"New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax, Plate 28) by Pierre Joseph Redouté, 1805","description":"\u003cp\u003ePierre Joseph Redouté’s \u003cem\u003eLes liliacees, Plate 28\u003c\/em\u003e, published in 1805, presents \u003cem\u003ePhormium tenax\u003c\/em\u003e—commonly known as New Zealand flax—as a poised vertical study of stem, flower and reproductive structure. A slender green stalk rises through the centre of the pale ground, carrying clustered yellow blooms touched with rusty red at their tips. The plant is isolated from any suggestion of habitat, its branching rhythm and botanical particulars made both immediately legible and quietly decorative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe plate belongs to Redouté’s celebrated series devoted to flowering plants, a project that helped define botanical illustration in the early nineteenth century. Known as the “Raphael of flowers”, Redouté united close scientific observation with an exceptional feeling for proportion, colour and placement. His work emerged during a flourishing period for natural-history publishing, when illustrated books enabled plants from distant regions to be studied, classified and admired by an expanding audience. Native to New Zealand, \u003cem\u003ePhormium tenax\u003c\/em\u003e was an especially distinctive subject: despite its familiar English name, it is not a true flax, though its long, strong leaf fibres have historically given it comparable practical importance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA closer look\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is organised around the firm upward movement of the main stem. Its muted yet substantial green provides a structural axis from which the flowers project at alternating angles. Some blooms appear more open, revealing fine stamens, while others remain narrow and tubular. Yellow dominates their elongated forms, but deeper reddish-brown accents gather towards the ends, preventing the flower clusters from dissolving into the surrounding cream-coloured space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRedouté’s restraint is as important as his detail. There is no landscape, vase or ornamental border; generous negative space separates each branching section and allows the eye to follow the plant’s construction. Fine outlines define the petals without making them rigid, while delicate tonal shifts along the stem suggest roundness rather than flat diagrammatic colour. Small changes in angle distinguish one flower from the next, giving the specimen a natural irregularity within the carefully balanced arrangement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSupplementary studies turn the plate from a floral portrait into a botanical examination. At the upper left, detached flower parts—including a petal-like segment and slender stamens—are laid out for closer inspection. A small circular form near the left margin records another structural detail, while the lower right contains a separate study of the leaf. Its elongated form and visible linear veining offer a counterpoint to the more animated cluster of flowers above. The printed name “\u003cem\u003ePhormium tenax\u003c\/em\u003e” anchors these elements at the lower edge, linking visual observation to botanical nomenclature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eContext and significance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBotanical plates of this period occupied a productive space between science and art. They needed to communicate the distinguishing features of a plant clearly, yet the finest examples also depended upon selection, spacing and visual rhythm. Redouté was particularly adept at this balance. Here, the isolated anatomical details satisfy the demands of study, while the ascending stem and carefully distributed blossoms create a composition with its own grace and coherence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is characteristic of Redouté at his most assured: exact without appearing clinical, elegant without sacrificing information. Close viewing reveals how much of that effect depends upon modest decisions—the pause of open space between flowers, the restrained gradation of green, and the transition from luminous yellow to darker tips along each bloom.\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=\"\/de\/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 36x24in (90x60cm) 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=\"\/de\/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=\"\/de\/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=\"\/de\/pages\/custom-framing\"\u003especialist framing\u003c\/a\u003e are also available. If the exact option you need is not listed, \u003ca target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/de\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003econtact our workshop\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Unique Maps Co.","offers":[{"title":"A4 (210x297mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59998164681088,"sku":null,"price":34.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A4 (210x297mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59998164713856,"sku":null,"price":81.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A4 (210x297mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59998164746624,"sku":null,"price":95.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x18in (30x45cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59998164779392,"sku":null,"price":53.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x18in (30x45cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59998164812160,"sku":null,"price":142.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x18in (30x45cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59998164844928,"sku":null,"price":149.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59998164877696,"sku":null,"price":53.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59998164910464,"sku":null,"price":142.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59998164943232,"sku":null,"price":149.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59998164976000,"sku":null,"price":85.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59998165008768,"sku":null,"price":203.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59998165041536,"sku":null,"price":216.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59998165074304,"sku":null,"price":85.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59998165107072,"sku":null,"price":203.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59998165139840,"sku":null,"price":216.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59998165172608,"sku":null,"price":104.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59998165205376,"sku":null,"price":277.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59998165238144,"sku":null,"price":310.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59998165270912,"sku":null,"price":114.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59998165303680,"sku":null,"price":310.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59998165336448,"sku":null,"price":337.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59998165369216,"sku":null,"price":114.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59998165401984,"sku":null,"price":310.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59998165434752,"sku":null,"price":337.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59998165467520,"sku":null,"price":149.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59998165500288,"sku":null,"price":411.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59998165533056,"sku":null,"price":411.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x40in (75x100cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59998165565824,"sku":null,"price":149.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x40in (75x100cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59998165598592,"sku":null,"price":411.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x40in (75x100cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59998165631360,"sku":null,"price":411.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59998165664128,"sku":null,"price":196.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59998165696896,"sku":null,"price":1031.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59998165729664,"sku":null,"price":971.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"33x50in (84x127cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59998165762432,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"33x50in (84x127cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59998165795200,"sku":null,"price":1240.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"33x50in (84x127cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59998165827968,"sku":null,"price":1166.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x60in (100x150cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59998165860736,"sku":null,"price":337.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x60in (100x150cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59998165893504,"sku":null,"price":1887.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x60in (100x150cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59998165926272,"sku":null,"price":1752.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"47x70in (120x178cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":59998165959040,"sku":null,"price":560.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"47x70in (120x178cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":59998165991808,"sku":null,"price":2527.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"47x70in (120x178cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":59998166024576,"sku":null,"price":2359.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0257\/0344\/8638\/files\/file_17575e20-a7dc-49e2-aafa-2bba66323374.jpg?v=1790682322","url":"https:\/\/uniquemaps.com\/de\/products\/new-zealand-flax-phormium-tenax-plate-28-by-pierre-joseph-redoute-1805","provider":"The Unique Maps Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}