"Plate 46. Alstroemeria Pelegrina"

The distinction of being the most talented and famous botanical artist of all time must go to Pierre-Joseph Redoute.  As court painter to Empress Josephine, Redoute's days were spent documenting the rare flowers and exotic newly discovered plants she grew in the gardens at Malmaison.  His masterful studies, sketches and paintings on vellum of lilies were the basis for all of the magnificent floral engravings contained in Les Liliacees, an extravagant comprehensive monograph of 486 exquisitely beautiful engravings bound into eight volumes.  The justifiably famous work includes depictions of all of the members of the lily family of plants including irises, tulips, orchids, amaryllis, crocus, etc.  Redoute’s work set the standard for all botanical illustration that followed and ushered in the era of great French botanical art.

The high quality of the engraving and the strength of the composition make this a striking image of a beautiful and familiar flower.

20 1/2 x 13 1/2 inches sheet.                                                                                                  
Stipple engraving with full original color.                                                                               
Excellent clean and crisp impression trimmed to edge of plate on left edge.