La Fleur, a captivating board game by Dux Somnium Games, isn’t just about strategy and garden-building; it’s a delightful immersion into the artistic world of 18th-century France. While the core gameplay revolves around constructing your chateau and hosting the grandest garden party, the true beauty lies in the visual feast it presents.

The masterstroke of La Fleur‘s aesthetic is its use of the awe-inspiring botanical illustrations by Pierre-Joseph Redouté. Redouté, renowned for his incredibly detailed and lifelike depictions of flowers, lends his artistry as the backdrop for the game. Imagine playing amidst gardens bursting with vibrant blooms, each one meticulously rendered by this artistic giant. (To find out more about Redouté, check out this blog post)

But Redouté’s contribution isn’t the only artistic flourish. La Fleur‘s creators, Amy and Dusty Droz, have woven a tapestry of artistic influences. The game utilizes the famed Turgot map of Paris as the playing board, transporting you to the heart of the city where you’ll secure resources for your garden.

Further enriching the experience are illustrations inspired by some of the most celebrated artists of the Rococo period. Names like Jean-Honoré Fragonard, François Boucher, and Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun add an air of elegance and romance to the game. Imagine the playful charm of Fragonard’s work or the captivating portraits by Vigée Le Brun gracing the game’s components.

The list of artistic influences continues with renowned painters like Jean-Marc Nattier, Jean-Baptiste Greuze, and François-Hubert Drouais. Each artist brings their own unique style, contributing to the overall richness and vibrancy of La Fleur. For a touch of international flair, the game also draws inspiration from British artists like George Romney and Sir Joshua Reynolds. Their inclusion adds a touch of cosmopolitan sophistication to the game’s artistic tapestry. Finally, La Fleur incorporates works by Hubert Robert and Nicolas Jean-Baptiste Raguenet. Robert’s architectural landscapes perfectly complement the chateau-building aspect of the game, while Raguenet’s detailed illustrations likely add a touch of whimsy or historical intrigue.

By combining the stunning botanical illustrations of Redouté with the artistic influences of the Rococo period and beyond, La Fleur promises a truly immersive and aesthetically pleasing board game experience. It’s a game that not only challenges your strategic thinking but also transports you to a world of exquisite beauty and artistic delight.

Following the success of their first game, Botany, La Fleur offers a new adventure set in the same thematic world. With its crowdfunding campaign currently underway on Kickstarter, La Fleur offers a unique opportunity to bring this artistic journey to your tabletop. So, if you’re a fan of strategy games, beautiful artwork, or simply have a love for 18th-century France, La Fleur might be the perfect game to add to your collection.