Pomologie Français

The age of magnificent pomological art began with sixteenth century Flemish still life painting and spanned more than two centuries. The genre reached its pinnacle in nineteenth century France with the collaboration of two great botanical artists, Pierre-Antoine Poiteau (1766-1854) and Pierre Jean Francois Turpin (1775-1840).

Poiteau's work, as with all art that is considered summarily important, represents a culmination of the efforts of those who preceded him. From the seventeenth century onward scientific interest in botany and pomology grew. The advent of formal European flower gardens in eighteenth century France laid the foundation for what was to come. Sponsored by French nobility and royalty, particularly the Empress Josephine, these flower gardens provided the inspiration and patronage which allowed Pierre Joseph Rédouté to perfect the technique of colored stipple engraving. This milestone in color printing provided artists with a technique that equaled in subtlety the original watercolor painting's richness, delicacy and beauty.

Poiteau, working with Rédouté's printer, Langlois, achieved a superb realistic and tactile quality with his remarkable fruit pictures. A well-recognized botanist and pomologist, Poiteau also contributed a scientific accuracy to this work never before achieved or since equaled. In 1846 he published a final version, without Turpin, of what is considered by many to be the finest example of pomological art ever created: Pomologie Français. It is among the last great folios of fine stipple engravings from this era. We are pleased to offer this major collection of Poiteau's work. Every print is in excellent condition. They are still reasonably priced.

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