Description
Description of Pierre Buchoz's Collection ... des fleurs ... dans les jardins de la Chine que dans c
These spectacular hand-colored engravings are from the very rare work entitled Collection précieuse et enluminés des fleurs les plus belles et les plus curieuses qui se cultivent tant dans les jardins de la Chine que dans ceux de l'Europe [Precious and Illuminated Collection of the More Beautiful and Most Curious Flowers Cultivated in the Gardens of China and Europe] by Pierre Buchoz published in 1776 in Paris. Buchoz was born in Metz and initially received instruction as a lawyer and a physician. At the age of 28, he had attained the proud post of physician to the King of Poland. In time he left his position as he shifted his focus to another great delight in his life: natural history, especially botany. This beautifully rendered work features flora from both China and Europe, with a distinctly Asian style, the first European work to do so. In fact, Buchoz was ahead of his time in introducing Oriental influences to the Parisian art world, which would not be swept away by it for another 100 years. There were some critics of Buchoz as a scientist and an artist, citing his debatable science techniques, imprecise descriptions, and borrowed drawings. Nevertheless, no one can debate the beauty of his prints. They are easily among the finest of natural history works from this time period. This work is remarkable for its great attention to color and detail and the black border around each image lends itself to being used as an outstanding framed piece. They are on fine chain-linked, water marked paper that measures ~11" by 18".