The floral painter Pierre-Joseph Redouté (1759-1840) devoted himself body and soul to the botanical arts and depicted the diversity of flowering plants in watercolours that were published as stippled engravings, with careful descriptions. Adored and admired by Parisian high society, he had a network of patrons, including Napoleon's wife, Josephine. He was nicknamed the Raphael of flowers and is considered to this day a master of botanical illustration.

This edition, adapted from our successful volume XL, is presented in a smaller, more accessible format, and brings together some of the colour botanical engravings from his magnificent volumes The Roses, The Lilacs and The Selection of the Most Beautiful Flowers and Branches with the Best Fruits. A display of his extraordinary ability to combine precision and beauty, it offers a unique insight into the magnificent glasshouses and gardens of Paris of yesteryear.

About the series

TASCHEN is already 40 years old! Since we began our work as cultural archaeologists in 1980, TASCHEN has become synonymous with accessible publishing, helping book devourers all over the world to build their own library of art, anthropology and erotica at an unbeatable price. Today we celebrate 40 years of great books while staying true to our company's credo. The 40th Anniversary Edition series brings together some of the stars of our catalogue in accessible editions: more compact and better priced but with the same commitment to impeccable production.

Publisher: Taschen