Pierre-Joseph Redouté-Selection of the most Beautiful Flowers 2015 Tasche edition Pierre-Joseph Redouté (1759-1840) was forever in high demand. Official court draftsman to Queen Marie Antoinette (who purportedly summoned him at midnight to paint a cactus), and later a favourite of Josephine Bonaparte, the artist brought flowers to the highest of places, and offset the chaotic upheaval of the French Revolution with the delicacy of perfectly drawn petals. The high quality 2015 Taschen reprint (336 pages, 3850 g) contains 144 examples of Redouté's flower, branch, and fruit drawings. Originally published between 1827 and 1833, these precise yet tender illustrations are as delightful as they are informative, recording some of the most delicate plant specimens in the world and evoking the bygone magnificence of Parisian greenhouses and gardens. H. Walther lack provides a thorough biography of Redouté, whilst Mr. Dressendörfer is responsible for the catalogue of the plates. The originally German text is also provided (integrally) in English and French. This book is in very good condition. The interior is bright, tight and as new. There are no markings, stamps or writings to be seen. The hardcover outside shows it has been read, there are some minor usage marks.