Redouté: The Man Who Painted Flowers

by Carolyn Croll

Since the early 19th century, Pierre-Jospeh Redoute has been considered the world's greatest flower painter. A boy from a small village, with little formal education, he became the official flower painter to Queen Marie Antoinette and the Empress Josephine. In sparkling words and colorful pictures, Croll tells the story of this remarkable artist.

Genres: Art, Picture Books, Biography, France, History, Childrens, Science

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1996

Reviews

[Jean-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent picture book to introduce Redouté to young readers. Redouté was a flower painter for Marie Antoinette and was even called to her Bastille prison in her final days to paint a rare cactus that had bloomed. Later, he was requested to illustrate a book written by the official botanist of Napoleon Bonaparte's wife Josephine. "Redouté: The Man Who Painted Flowers" features Tomie dePaolo-esque illustrations that complement the story very nicely. However, you should definitely do a quick online search to admire the gorgeous flora and fauna artwork of Pierre-Joseph Redouté. The 11-year-old and I read this to complement a French world history lesson, but this would make a great tie in for an art lesson as well.

[Aneshka · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a biography picture book about a painter, it would be beneficial if there were some images of his painting along with the author’s note

[Karen Witzler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction to the French artist/naturalist and to this period of French history. Marie Antoinette, Josephine, and the gardens at Malmaison are featured.

[Jinnn]

"painting flowers may be something small,but it is what I do best,because it is what I love most."