Special Event

Aug 4, 2013

2 p.m.

Central Library

This free program is co-sponsored by the Historic Rose Garden and the Sacramento Public Library.  Garden volunteers will bring examples of Redoute's roses for the public to examine. Special botanical works from the Sacramento Library and others will be on display.

'Beyond Les Roses' - the life, times and botanical art of Pierre-Joseph Redouté

This very special event features Belgium's Ingrid Verdegem as she describes the life and art of the great Belgian botanical artist Pierre-Joseph Redouté, court artist to Marie Antoinette and the Empress Josephine.  Redoute's 'Les Roses' is his most famous volume, but he produced over 2,100 published works in his long career during the heady days of the French Revolution, the Reign of Terror and Napoleon.  Ms. Verdegem will describe the techniques used by Redouté and show examples of his other works.

Ingrid Verdegem became involved in old roses at age 16, when she found a fragrant rose by the roadside that appeared to be Redoute's 'Celsiana.'   Intrigued by this first taste of rose research, she has spent years studying archives and examining roses.  She has produced many articles, a few books, exhibitions and lectures. She was a featured speaker at the International Heritage Rose Conferences in Sakura, Japan, and Dunedin, New Zealand.  

West Meeting Room

Central Library

808 I Street