Pierre-Joseph Redouté Botanical Artist to the Court of France

Pierre-Joseph Redout (1759-1840) is the undisputed master of botanical art. His illustrations of flowers represent a unique fusion of botanical precision with artistic elegance. As court artist to Queen Marie-Antoinette and Empress Jos phine, Redout drew extraordinary flowers and plants from the Jardin des plantes and the gardens of Malmaison, which made him the darling of Parisian society. Napoleon presented his books as gifts to the crowned heads of Europe, and Redout 's images illustrated the works of the most eminent scientists of his day. His most famous books, Les Liliac es and Les Roses, are among the milestones of botanical literature. Accompanying a survey of his works at the Teylers Museum in the Netherlands, this richly illustrated publication presents a wide selection of Redout 's books, drawings and watercolors. Several short essays by Dutch and French specialists offer a comprehensive overview of the key aspects of his art.