After Redout, Botanical Plate with Martynia Proboscidea, Reprint, 1800s, Framed for sale at Pamono

After Pierre-Joseph REDOUT (1759-1840)

Reproduction of a botanical plate illustrating a Martynia Proboscidea or devil's horn
Framed

Pierre-Joseph Redout is a Franco-Walloon painter, often nicknamed the Raphal of flowers. Born on July 10, 1759 in Saint-Hubert in Wallonia, he grew up in a family of decorative artists and began his career working in the family business. Later, he went to Paris to paint theater sets.

He was spotted while making flower sketches and illustrations for the works of Charles Louis L'Hritier. His drawings attracted the attention of Grard Van Spaendonck, who became his teacher and hired him to paint 500 flower illustrations for the Vlins du Roi collection.

Redout managed to get through successive political crises and survive the different regimes. He became the official court painter of Marie-Antoinette, then of Empress Josphine and continued to work for the Bourbons after the Restoration.

His best-known work, Les Roses (1817-1824), made him one of the greatest botanical artists of all time. His works combine scientific precision with great refinement of tones. The Natural History Museum of Paris preserves more than 6,000 of his watercolors.

Interestingly, despite his extravagant spending habits which led him into financial difficulties, necessitating the sale of furniture, silverware and paintings in an attempt to repay his debts, Redout continued to enjoy great fame throughout his career, producing not only sought-after paintings but also tutoring many distinguished students.

He died in Paris on June 19, 1840, leaving behind an invaluable artistic and botanical legacy.
Dimensions: 41 x 53cm