Pierre-Joseph Redouté: Floral Art in the Service of Science

Pierre-Joseph Redouté: Floral Art in the Service of Science

Pierre-Joseph Redouté (1759–1840) is universally celebrated as the greatest floral illustrator of the 18th and 19th centuries. Trained at the royal gardens of Paris and patronized by Marie Antoinette, Empress Joséphine, and the Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle, Redouté combined Enlightenment rationality with romantic elegance.

His contribution to Arbres et Arbustes reflects his mature style: finely observed botanical details, a soft but precise palette, and a layout that balances scientific accuracy with aesthetic harmony. Redouté didn’t merely catalog plants — he translated them into a universal visual language that continues to inspire today.

Technically, Redouté’s use of stipple engraving set a new standard in botanical art. This method allowed for delicate tonal transitions and a lifelike rendering of petals, leaves, and stems. While his better-known works such as Les Roses and Les Liliacées cemented his legacy, Arbres et Arbustes remains an essential project where his vision flourished in collaboration with artists like Pancrace Bessa.

Each original plate is a masterclass in botanical communication and decorative elegance. These authentic hand-colored prints are sought after by collectors, art historians, and interior decorators alike — bringing 19th-century botanical grace into today’s curated spaces.

Explore our exclusive collection of original botanical engravings by Redouté and own a piece of art history.