Pierre-Joseph Redouté
French, 1759
Artist Bio: Pierre-Joseph Redouté
Pierre-Joseph Redouté (July 10, 1759 – June 19, 1840) was a renowned painter and botanist from the Austrian Netherlands, celebrated for his exquisite watercolors of flowers, particularly roses and lilies. Often referred to as "the Raphael of flowers," he is regarded as the greatest botanical illustrator in history.
Redouté gained prominence as an official court artist to Marie Antoinette and continued to flourish amid the turmoil of the French Revolution. His precise and vibrant depictions of plants earned him a prestigious reputation, attracting influential patrons, including both of Napoleon's wives and members of European royalty.
Throughout his career, Redouté collaborated with leading botanists and contributed to nearly fifty publications, showcasing both familiar and exotic flora. He worked primarily from live plants, resulting in fresh and detailed renderings. His legacy includes over 2,100 published plates featuring more than 1,800 species, many of which had never been illustrated before.
Born in Saint-Hubert, Belgium, Redouté's artistic journey began at a young age. He eventually moved to Paris, where he was guided into botanical illustration by prominent botanists. His work at the Château de Malmaison for Empress Joséphine highlighted both French and Australian plant species, bridging continents in his art.
Redouté continued teaching and painting until his passing in 1840. His contributions to botanical illustration endure, and his works are celebrated in exhibitions worldwide, ensuring his place in the pantheon of art and science.
Pierre-Joseph Redouté (July 10, 1759 – June 19, 1840) was a renowned painter and botanist from the Austrian Netherlands, celebrated for his exquisite watercolors of flowers, particularly roses and lilies. Often referred to as "the Raphael of flowers," he is regarded as the greatest botanical illustrator in history.
Redouté gained prominence as an official court artist to Marie Antoinette and continued to flourish amid the turmoil of the French Revolution. His precise and vibrant depictions of plants earned him a prestigious reputation, attracting influential patrons, including both of Napoleon's wives and members of European royalty.
Throughout his career, Redouté collaborated with leading botanists and contributed to nearly fifty publications, showcasing both familiar and exotic flora. He worked primarily from live plants, resulting in fresh and detailed renderings. His legacy includes over 2,100 published plates featuring more than 1,800 species, many of which had never been illustrated before.
Born in Saint-Hubert, Belgium, Redouté's artistic journey began at a young age. He eventually moved to Paris, where he was guided into botanical illustration by prominent botanists. His work at the Château de Malmaison for Empress Joséphine highlighted both French and Australian plant species, bridging continents in his art.
Redouté continued teaching and painting until his passing in 1840. His contributions to botanical illustration endure, and his works are celebrated in exhibitions worldwide, ensuring his place in the pantheon of art and science.
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