Plate 131, Fritillaria Imperialis, from "Les Liliacées" 1802 - 1816

This botanical illustration, "Plate 131, Fritillaria Imperialis," is from Pierre Joseph Redouté's renowned series "Les Liliacées" (1802–1816). Redouté, known as the "Raphael of Flowers," meticulously captured the beauty of the imperial fritillary with delicate watercolor washes. This print, like the rest of the series, serves both as a scientific record and a work of art, displaying the flower's intricate details and its graceful form against a simple, elegant background. The print, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, stands as a testament to Redouté's mastery of botanical art.