Anthericum Annuum

Redouté, Pierre Joseph, 1759-1840 · [ca. 1812]

Enlightenment Era print Bulbine annua, commonly known as the annual bulbine, began as a botanical study entitled Anthericum annuum. Created by Pierre-Joseph Redouté c. 1812 for the sixth volume of Les Liliacées, Bulbine annua blends science and art. Redouté's revolutionary stipple engraving process provides vivid color and sensitive value, flawlessly illustrating a three-dimensional form. The plant's splayed composition adds visual intrigue, though the methodical and accurate portrayal of the specimen suggests that Redouté arranged the plant with purely scientific intentions.