Botanical Prints by Paul de Longpré, the "King of Flowers"

Botanical Prints by Paul de Longpré, the “King of Flowers”

Paul de Longpré (1855-1911), sometimes known as “The King of Flowers,” painted
botanical art works that were not only scientifically accurate, but also
pleasing to the eye. Prints of his botanical paintings are still popular with
those who wish to add an authentic touch to rooms decorated in the Romantic,
English Country, French Country, and Cottage styles.

De Longpré was born in France in 1855, into an artistic family, which was known
for painting flower patterns for the textile mills of Lyons. His first oil
painting was accepted for exhibition at the Paris Salon when he was only 21 years
old.

Although he became widely popular for his botanical paintings, de Longpré left
France in 1890 after losing money in a bank failure. He moved with his wife and
daughters to the United States, settling in New York City.

Once in the U.S., de Longpré continued to meet with success. He exhibited his
first painting, Basket of Purple Lilacs, at the National Academy of Design in
1892. The de Longpré family later moved to Hollywood, where the artist could find
fresh flowers blooming year round.

In Hollywood, de Longpre built a large Moorish-style house with a 3-acre garden,
which held more than 3,000 rose bushes alone. Not only was the garden a
source for de Longpre’s artistic inspiration, it became a well-known tourist
attraction. Although the house was eventually torn down, a street nearby retains
the name, “De Longpre Avenue.”

The artist continued to win awards and acclaim, especially for his beautifully
sensitive paintings of roses. De Longpré died on June 29, 1911.