Botanical illustrations are detailed drawings or paintings of plants, flowers, and other botanical subjects. These artworks aim to accurately represent the physical characteristics of the plants, including their structure, color, and texture. They often serve both scientific and artistic purposes, helping researchers identify species and providing a visual record of plant diversity. Historically, botanical illustrations played a crucial role in the study of botany, especially before the advent of photography. Artists like Maria Sibylla Merian and Pierre-Joseph Redouté are renowned for their contributions to this field, creating works that combine beauty with scientific accuracy.