Botanical prints

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Botanical Prints
Although inexpensive versions of these textbook-like engravings of flowers, fruits and vegetables abound, the real deal—that is, ones painted by Pierre-Joseph Redouté or Basilius (Basil) Besler—can be extremely valuable. But, says Griffith, only if they're in good condition (i.e., not ripped or washed out). Griffith, who previously worked in the antiques market, says botanical prints were always the one thing he and his colleagues were guaranteed to find at every estate sale—"and we were always able to resell them." For instance, a set of two framed floral prints by Redouté, known for his masterful technique of painting roses (he used dots, not lines), currently has bids over $200 on eBay.