Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

Pierre-Joseph Redouté’s “Hydrangea” exudes an unparalleled elegance and precision that is the hallmark of botanical illustration. This watercolor on vellum piece captures the delicate beauty of the hydrangea plant, emphasizing the intricate structure and subtle coloring of the flowers and leaves.

Composition and Detail:

The painting centers on a lush cluster of hydrangea blossoms in full bloom, rendered with meticulous attention to detail. Each petal is delicately shaded to convey the flower’s gentle gradations of color—a subtle blend of whites, soft pinks, and delicate lilacs that seem to breathe life into the page. The blossoms’ rounded shapes and the slight imperfections of nature are faithfully reproduced, reflecting Redouté’s commitment to scientific accuracy.

The leaves are equally masterful, depicted in various shades of green to give a sense of depth and texture. The veins and serrated edges of the leaves are detailed with a precise hand, enhancing their realism. The stem, painted in a naturalistic brown hue, anchors the composition, guiding the viewer’s eye upward through the verdant foliage to the crowning floral spectacle.

The background remains simple and understated, a faint wash that highlights the hydrangea without distracting from it. This simplicity allows the viewer to focus entirely on the plant's form and coloration, showcasing Redouté’s skill in botanical illustration.

Pierre-Joseph Redouté (1759-1840):

Pierre-Joseph Redouté, often referred to as the "Raphael of flowers," was a pivotal figure in the world of botanical art. Born in what is now Belgium, Redouté moved to Paris in the late 18th century, where he became one of the most celebrated botanical illustrators of his time. His career spanned the tumultuous periods of the French Revolution, the Napoleonic era, and the Bourbon restoration, yet his work remained a constant source of beauty and scientific inquiry.

Redouté was particularly renowned for his collaboration with notable botanists and his service as the court artist to Queen Marie Antoinette and later Empress Josephine Bonaparte. His works include "Les Liliacées" and "Les Roses," monumental folios that blend artistic grace with botanical detail.

"Hydrangea" in Redouté's Career:

The painting “Hydrangea” fits seamlessly into Redouté's oeuvre, reflecting his dedication to botanical accuracy and aesthetic refinement. Created during a period when botanical illustration was crucial for scientific documentation and classification, this painting serves both as a piece of art and a scientific record. Redouté's work, including “Hydrangea,” was crucial in advancing the study of botany and made significant contributions to natural history.

Unfortunately, specific details regarding the current location of the original “Hydrangea” by Pierre-Joseph Redouté can be elusive, as many of his works are held in private collections or dispersed across various institutions. However, several of his botanical illustrations, including those of hydrangeas, are housed in notable collections such as:

- The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew - which boasts a comprehensive collection of botanical art.
- The Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium - holds several of Redouté's botanical works.
- The Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA - known for its extensive collection of botanical illustrations.

Pierre-Joseph Redouté’s “Hydrangea” stands as a testament to the artist’s ability to blend scientific rigor with exquisite artistry. His works laid the groundwork for modern botanical illustration, influencing countless artists and botanists. The painting remains a celebrated example of the genre, admired both for its beauty and its contribution to botanical knowledge.