Redouté, Pierre Joseph

FIRST EDITION, 8 volumes, folio (540 x 360mm.), half-titles, dedication to Chaptal, engraved portrait of the artist by Pradier after Gerard, 486 stipple-engraved plates printed in colours and finished by hand by Bessin, Chaput, Langlois and 15 others after Redouté, plate 372 uncoloured as usual, plates 370 and 371 comprising one large folding plate, Narcissus laetus represented by two plates, one misnumbered 427, contemporary boards, [Dunthorne 231; Great Flower Books, p.71; Hunt, Redoutéana 10; Nissen BBI 1597; Stafleu TL2 8747], bookplates of Professor O. Penzig and H.C. Drayton, some dampstaining, marginal worming in last few plates of vol. 4, some spotting, toning and offsetting in vols 5-8, vol.7 title foxed, bindings rebacked

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

AN UNCUT COPY OF REDOUTE'S CELEBRATED WORK. "The highest peak of Redoute's artistic and botanical achievement... Among the most important monuments of botanical illustration ever to be published." (Frans A. Stafleu, "Redoute - peintre de fleurs" in A Catalogue of Redouteana).

Redouté was at the height of his powers during the publication of Les Liliacées. At this time, he had as patron and sponsor none other than Josephine Bonaparte, who, on acquiring Malmaison and establishing a superb garden of rare plants there, required an artist of sufficient talent to catalogue them. Accordingly Redouté was employed, and produced the splendid illustrations to Jardin de Malmaison (1803-4), which Stafleu rates as highly as the current work.

Although Redouté's name alone appears on the title-pages, Les Liliacées also owes something to those who supplied the text. They were: A.P. De Candolle (vol.1-4), Francois de la Roche (vol.5-6), and Alire Raffeneau-Delile (vol.7-8).