Redouté is credited with perfecting the stipple engraving technique and applying it to rendering his flower paintings. In describing this technique Redouté said, "The process which we invented in 1796 for colour printing consists in the employment of these colours on a single plate by a method of our own. We have thereby softness and brilliance of a watercolour, as can be seen in our...Liliacées and other works." In recognition of this valuable contribution, Redouté was awarded a medal by Louis XVIII.

 Only two hundred copies of Les Liliacées were engraved, appearing in eighty parts from 1802 to 1816. Josephine's support made the work possible, herself ordering several sets. Napoleon divorced Josephine in 1809, and she died in 1814. In the absence of Josephine¹s patronage, Redouté's fortunes began to decline. Somewhat impoverished, he died in 1840, suffering a stroke as he examined the corolla of a white lily a student had brought to him.

Les Liliacées, when found in this quality, are absolutely breathtaking. The flawless bone-white paper in this folio allows the brilliance of color and nuance of tonality to shine through. It is not possible to overstate the beauty of these images.