Rosa Gallica Aurelianensis (1817 - 1824)

The artwork titled "Rosa Gallica Aurelianensis," also known as "La Duchesse d'Orléans," is one of the exquisite works by Pierre Joseph Redouté, renowned for his masterful botanical illustrations. Created between 1817 and 1824, this painting showcases Redouté's meticulous attention to detail and his profound skill in rendering the delicacy of flowers.In the depiction, a pink Rosa gallica, commonly known as the French rose, fills the canvas with its vibrant and lush blooms. One main fully blossomed flower, remarkable in both size and color richness, draws the immediate attention of the viewer. Surrounding this central bloom are several buds in various stages of opening, suggesting the continuous lifecycle of nature's creations. Each petal is painted with such care that it appears almost tactile, as though one could feel its velvety texture just by looking.The leaves and stem are portrayed with equal accuracy, featuring deep green, veiny leaves and a thorny stem, reminding us of the rose's natural defences. The background is intentionally subdued, a light neutral tone that accentuates the vividness of the rose itself.This painting not only demonstrates Redouté's artistic prowess but also serves as a scientific record, typical of his work during a time when botanical illustrations were vital for the study and classification of plant species.