REDOUTE, PIERRE JOSEPH. (1759-1840). Belgian painter and botanist known for his paintings of flowers and botanical engravings. ALS. (“Redouté”). 1 2/3pp. 4to. N.p., February 2, 1828. To a gentleman. In French with translation.

“To this day, I have always had the happiness of counting you among my subscribers for all the books I have published, as you generally encourage natural history authors. Presently, I’m publishing one that I have called Choice of the most beautiful Flowers and of the most beautiful Fruit. I made this book for the students and manufactures, it had been requested from me for a long time; and yet in the 6th issue I cannot yet reimburse my costs which are considerable. Never have circumstances been more unpleasant for authors. I therefore find myself forced to search for subscriptions among the amateurs, and to do what had never happened to me since I cannot get any kind of encouragement from the government. You will see, Sir, by the attached Prospectus, that this varied work, in execution, is one of the most beautiful that I have made. I may also have recourse to your kindness, for several paintings that I will make & take them to England: if in one of your moments of leisure you could take one, and come visit my workshop and see the paintings, you would give me extreme pleasure. While waiting for this hope, Please accept Sir, the assurance of the high consideration with which I have the honor to be Your devoted servant…”

As natural science paintings became recognized by the art establishment, Redouté began to exhibit his large floral compositions where he came to the attention of Marie Antoinette who became his patron, and designated him Draughtsman and Painter to the Queen’s Cabinet. Later, Napoleon’s two wives, Josephine and Marie Louise appointed him their official court artist. With his use of color stipple engraving à la poupée, Redouté “produced some of the finest colored botanical illustrations ever published,” acclaimed for their “combination of scientific botanical precision and innate artistry,” (DSB). Over the course of his career, he catalogued the collections at the National Museum of Natural History, Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, the French Academy of Sciences, and Château de Malmaison. Among his best-known works are The Lily Family, an eight-volume compendium published in Paris from 1802 to 1808 and the three-volume Les Roses, which he worked on from 1817-1824. Our letter mentions one of Redouté’s last works, Le Choix de Plus Belles Fleurs (1827), the work’s prospectus and the financial difficulties brought upon by the Bourbon Restoration and the economic crisis of 1826-1829, that precipitated, in part, the Revolution of 1830.

Written on recto and verso of a single folded sheet with some light creasing and wear. In fine condition and scarce.