Rosa Tomentosa. (1817 - 1824)

Welcome to a glimpse of the delicate beauty captured in Pierre Joseph Redouté's remarkable painting, "Rosa Tomentosa," crafted between the years 1817 and 1824. This piece is a quintessential example of Redouté's masterful ability to depict flowers with botanical accuracy and artistic grace.The painting showcases a Rosa Tomentosa, also known as the rough rose, in stunning, lifelike detail. The central focus is the bloom itself; a lush, soft pink rose opens its petals to the world, displaying a warm, inviting center and delicate stamens, inviting admiration of its natural beauty. Surrounding the main bloom are various stages of the flower's life cycle, from tightly closed buds ready to burst open, to young blossoms beginning their bloom, and even fading flowers past their prime, suggesting the transient yet recurrent nature of life.Redouté's skill is further evidenced in the vivid portrayal of the rose's foliage. The leaves are rendered with exquisite precision, showing the fine veins and the slightly serrated edges typical of the species. The stems bear small thorns, hinting at the rose's natural defense while adding a tactile dimension to the visual representation.This painting is not merely an artistic creation; it is a botanical document that stands as a testament to the scientific and artistic exploration of its time. Redouté, often referred to as the "Raphael of flowers," combines aesthetic appeal with scientific accuracy, making "Rosa Tomentosa" a beloved piece for both art aficionados and botanical enthusiasts.