Allium Carinatum

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

Allium carinatum, a print by Pierre-Joseph Redouté, combines naturalistic art with a fondness for botany. Published in volume seven of Les Liliacées c. 1812, the stipple engraving of keeled garlic employs a gamut of values, from shadowy greens to pure white highlights. The asymmetrical composition leans to the right, commanding the page. Redouté's sensitivity to value creates realistic forms, especially among the curling brown fronds that weave between the stalk and leaves. Variety of color and tone within Allium carinatum contribute to the print's immense accuracy.