His fame began to rise when Emperess Josephine Bonaparte hired him in 1798, convinced that only he could fulfill her desire to portrait her beloved flower gardens in the chateau of Malmaison. The editions of books of his time have by no means been large enough to accomodate comfortably the desire of the many who would like to own at least one of these fine samples of flower prints. Cyrtanthus obliques Stipple engraving by Bessin, printed in color and finished by hand.
Plate has some light, scattered spotting.
Enkianthus Quinqueflores Stipple engraving by Bessin, printed in color and finished by hand. Plate has some light, scattered spotting. Condition is Almost Excellent. Published ca 1835. Original hand coloring.