Pierre-Joseph Redouté (1759–1840) ranks among the most highly regarded botanical illustrators in history. Known as the "Raphael of Flowers" for his meticulously accurate watercolors of roses, lilies, and other flowers, Redouté dominated botanical art from 1790 to 1830. The official court artist for Louis XVI and art tutor to Marie Antoinette, he survived the Terror and received the patronage of Napoleon's wife, Empress Josephine. Hailed by botanists for their scientific accuracy and by lovers of fine art for their peerless beauty, the artist's floral illustrations can be enjoyed by millions today.