Pierre-Joseph Redoute (1759-1840) was a botanist and an official court artist to Queen Marie Antoinette of France. He worked through both the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror and, despite the political turmoil of the era, he was successful enough to become one of the most famous botanical painters in the world.
Having studied and dissected plants and flowers, Redoute used complex painting techniques to create accurate illustrations with an attention to detail that garnered him much acclaim. One of his major accomplishments was "Les Roses," a collection of 169 illustrations of roses, which was so extensive it was published in three volumes; till June 25.
The Ueno Royal Museum; (03) 3833-4191; 1-2, Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo; Ueno Station, JR Lines. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ¥1,000. www.ueno-mori.org.
