First published in 1827 and later in 1835, Choix des plus belles fleurs et des plus beaux fruits (Choice of the Most Beautiful Flowers and Fruits) by Pierre-Joseph Redouté features 144 botanical illustrations. Many of these plants were cultivated in French imperial gardens. The prints were created using stipple engraving, a technique that produces soft, delicate imagery suited to floral subjects. The 1835 edition is distinguishable by plate numbers beneath Redouté’s name.
Redouté, a Belgian artist, was the official painter for French empresses Marie-Antoinette, Josephine Bonaparte, and Marie-Amélie. His botanical masterpieces, including Les Liliacées, Les Roses, and Choix des plus belles fleurs, gained acclaim for their precision and artistry. Despite France’s political upheavals, he remained dedicated to his serene floral compositions, which continue to be highly valued today.
