青幻舎 SEIGENSHA Art Publishing

Pierre-Joseph Redouté (1759–1840) was a greatly skilled botanical artist who earned the monikers “Raphael of Flowers” and “Rembrandt of Roses.” His many delicate paintings have been celebrated as “portraits” of flowers combining precise botanical study with the elegance of works of art.

This book features eighty-two of those paintings, mainly from his highly regarded folios Les roses and Choix des plus belles fleurs, along with insights into why his work is so attractive. It also delves into what might be regarded as the ultimate story of a life bound up with roses, from Redouté’s upbringing and the historical background within which he created his masterpieces to his success as a court painter patronized by Marie Antoinette and Joséphine, the first wife of Napoleon.

Includes essays by Goto Midori (representative director, Komatsu Garden rose shop; director, The Japan Redouté Society) and rose stylist Ono Kosho

Nakamura Misako, born in Tokyo, became interested in roses and Pierre-Joseph Redouté through related events and exhibitions she helped organize while working in planning and advertising at the Huis Ten Bosch theme park in Nagasaki. She currently serves as vice director of the Japan Redouté Society, which was established in May 2015 to spread awareness of Redouté’s work.