Redouté, Pierre-Joseph (Belgian, 1759-1840), “Bird of Paradise” Strelitzia reginae

Pierre-Joseph Redouté (Belgian, 1759-1840)
Watercolor for plate 77: “Bird of Paradise” Strelitzia reginae
Prepared for Les Liliacées ca. 1802-1816
Watercolor and graphite on vellum
Completed: ca. 1802-1816
Vellum size: 18 1/2 x 13 in.
Frame size: 23 1/4 x 18 1/8 in.
Signed ‘P.J. Redouté’ lower left

Country of Origin: Summer rainfall South Africa (Eastern Cape with an isolated area in
Kwazulu/Natal).  Named for the English Queen Charlotte Sophia (1774-1818), wife of George II (1738-1820), former Princess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, who gave birth to fifteen royal children.