Flowering Cactus: Redoute Hand-Colored Engraving "Cactus Opuntia Polyanthos", 1799

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This hand colored stipple engraving entitled "Cactus Opuntia Polyanthos, Cierge Raquette Multiflore" by Pierre-Joseph Redouté, Plate 59 from his illustrated … Read more This hand colored stipple engraving entitled "Cactus Opuntia Polyanthos, Cierge Raquette Multiflore" by Pierre-Joseph Redouté, Plate 59 from his illustrated publication 'Plantarum Historia Succulentarum ou Histoire des Plantes Grasses', published in Paris in 1799. Redoute was a pioneer of the stipple engraving technique, which he used to create this image. It involves utilizing a series of small dots worked into a copper plate rather than the more common lines. These dots can be made smaller or thicker depending on the degree of opacity the artist intends for various areas of the print. When inked and applied to paper, this allows for a greater portion of the paper to be seen, which accentuates the appearance of luminosity of the subject the artist is creating. Different color inks are used in the printing process, a time consuming technique known as "a la poupee". The engraving is then finished with watercolor to further enhance the beauty and realism of the print subject.

This engraving of a flowering cactus is presented in silver-colored ribbed wood frame and a double mat; cream-colored outer mat and heather green inner mat. The frame measures 21.25" high by 17.25" wide by 1.13" deep. The sheet measures 19.88" high by 14" wide. There are wide margins with a few short tears and chips along the the left, right and upper edges, which are all covered by the mat. There are small spots predominantly in the margins, with a few present in the image area. The print is otherwise in very good condition. There is another Redoute flowering cactus listed on Chairish, which is framed and matted identically to this one. The pair would make an attractive display grouping.

Pierre-Joseph Redouté (1759-1840), was a painter and botanist originally from Belgium, who pursued his extremely successful artistic career in France. He is well known for his watercolor paintings of roses, lilies and other flowers and their subsequent folio-sized, color stipple engravings. Some believe him to be the greatest botanical illustrator of all time. Redouté was a favorite of the French royal court at the time and of the post French revolution aristocracy. He was an official court artist of Queen Marie Antoinette and his works continued to be in demand during and after the French Revolution and Reign of Terror. He combined great artistic skills with a pleasing, ingratiating personality which assisted him with his influential patrons. After the fall of the French monarchy, he was a favorite Empress Joséphine, Napoleon Bonaparte's wife and later by his second wife Marie Louise, Duchess of Parma. The wife of Louis Philippe I, the last king of France, Maria Amalia of Naples and Sicily, was also a patron. See less