Pierre-Joseph Redouté narrowly avoided execution during the French Revolution, saved by his reputation as a botanical artist. Despite his association with the aristocracy, his talent was recognised, allowing him to continue his work documenting the plant life at the royal gardens. This close call adds a layer of intrigue to the man behind the delicate watercolours.
Key facts
- Lived
- 1759–1840, Southern Netherlands
- Works held in
- 1 museum
Biography
Redouté dedicated his career to botanical illustration, achieving fame for his accurate and aesthetically pleasing depictions of flowers, especially roses. Working primarily in watercolour, his technique combined scientific precision with artistic flair. He captured the minute details of each plant specimen, while also conveying their beauty and vitality. His prints, widely circulated, brought the wonders of the botanical world to a broader audience.
Today, Redouté's prints appeal to collectors who appreciate both art and science. His images offer a window into a bygone era of botanical exploration, while his elegant compositions complement contemporary interiors. The timeless appeal of his floral studies makes them a sophisticated addition to any collection.
Timeline
- 1759Born in Saint-Hubert, Luxembourg province (then Austrian Netherlands); father was a decorative painter
- 1782Moved to Paris aged 23 and secured a position as a botanical illustrator at the Jardin du Roi
- 1786Appointed court painter and botanical illustrator to Queen Marie Antoinette at Versailles aged 27
- 1789Continued work through the French Revolution aged 30, his scientific reputation protecting him from execution
- 1798Appointed botanical illustrator to Empress Joséphine at Malmaison aged 39, beginning the rose paintings for which he became famous
- 1817Began publishing "Les Roses" in serial volumes aged 58; the three-volume work, completed in 1824, became his defining achievement
- 1824Appointed instructor of flower painting at the Natural History Museum in Paris aged 65
- 1840Died in Paris aged 80, reportedly while examining a lily brought to him by a pupil
Notable Works
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Pierre-Joseph Redouté prints
Hand-finished archival prints from Pierre-Joseph Redouté's body of work.
Cabbage Rose (Rosa Centifolia Simplex) - Pierre-Joseph Redouté
From £28.00
Brier Bush Rose or Dog Rose (Rosa Sepium Rosea) - Pierre-Joseph Redouté
From £28.00
Paeonia Flagrans Peony - Pierre-Joseph Redouté
From £28.00
Rosa Eglanteria - Pierre-Joseph Redouté
From £28.00
Musk - Pierre-Joseph Redouté
From £28.00
Rosa Centifolia - Pierre-Joseph Redouté
From £28.00
Related Artists
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See all Pierre-Joseph Redouté prints →Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pierre-Joseph Redouté born?
Pierre-Joseph Redouté was born in 1759 and died in 1840.Where can I see Pierre-Joseph Redouté's paintings?
Pierre-Joseph Redouté's works can be seen in 1 museums worldwide, including Clark Art Institute.What is Pierre-Joseph Redouté known for?
Pierre-Joseph Redouté is known for pierre-Joseph Redouté was a botanical artist known for his exquisite watercolour paintings of flowers.
Sources
Editorial draws on the following primary and tertiary references for Pierre-Joseph Redouté.
- [1] book Masterpieces of western art : a history of art in 900 individual studies from the Gothic to the present day Used for: biography.
- [2] book Post-impressionism : cross-currents in European painting Used for: biography.
- [3] book Post-impressionism : cross-currents in European painting Used for: biography.
Editorial overseen by Solis Prints. Sources verified 2026-06-18. Click a source for details, or hover over [N] in the page above to preview.
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