Pierre-Joseph Redouté (1759-1840) was a French painter and botanist best known for his watercolor paintings of flowers and plants. He was one of the most celebrated botanical artists of the 19th century and his works were highly sought after by royalty, nobility, and other wealthy patrons.
Redouté was born in Saint-Hubert, Belgium but moved to Paris at the age of 20. There, he took classes and eventually became a student of botanist Pierre-Antoine Poiteau. Redouté was commissioned to produce works for many influential people, including Empress Joséphine and King Charles X of France. His works graced the walls of many royal palaces and gardens, such as the Palais du Luxembourg and the Malmaison.
Redouté was an innovator in the field of botanical art and was the first to use lithography to produce accurate and detailed illustrations of plants. He was also one of the first to use a particular shade of pink in his works, which became known as “Rose Redouté”. He was also known for his ability to capture the delicate nuances of his subjects, as well as their natural beauty.
Redouté’s works can still be seen today in various museums around the world and in private collections. His works continue to inspire botanical art and his legacy lives on in the works of modern-day botanical artists.