Artwork

Les Liliacées: Crocus Sativus

Les Liliacées:  Crocus Sativus, by Henry Joseph Redouté, 1809
Les Liliacées:  Crocus Sativus, by Henry Joseph Redouté, 1809

Les Liliacées: Crocus Sativus is a print by the Romanticist artist Henry Joseph Redouté. It dates from 1809 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

This painting shows a detailed drawing of a crocus flower.
It's very precise and colorful. The artist paid close attention to the flower's shape and texture.
The drawing is part of a bigger collection of flower paintings.
The artist was known for his detailed work on flowers and plants.
You can learn more about this style by looking at the work of artist: Henry Joseph Redouté (French, 1766–1853)

Overview

Created in 1809, this print titled Les Liliacées: Crocus Sativus is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. It presents a single crocus flower rendered with meticulous detail, emphasizing the plant’s form and surface qualities.

Subject & Meaning

The image focuses exclusively on the crocus, a spring‑blooming bulbous plant, highlighting its delicate petals and subtle coloration. By isolating the flower, the work invites close observation of botanical structure rather than narrative content.

Technique & Style

Executed as a precise botanical illustration, the print employs fine line work and careful shading to convey texture and three‑dimensionality. The coloration is restrained yet accurate, reflecting the scientific illustration tradition of the early nineteenth century.

History & Provenance

The piece was produced by French artist Henry Joseph Redouté (1766–1853), renowned for his contributions to botanical art. It entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition, joining a broader series of flower studies by the same hand.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Henry Joseph Redouté

Artist

Henry Joseph Redouté

Henry Joseph Redouté (1766–1852) was a French artist, born in Saint-Hubert.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.