Rosa Damascena Celsiana Prolifera (1817 - 1824)

Pierre Joseph Redouté's exquisite botanical illustration, titled "Rosa Damascena Celsiana Prolifera," offers a delicate and poignant depiction of the celebrated Rosa Damascena, also known as the Damask rose. Created between 1817 and 1824, this painting is a masterful rendition that perfectly embodies Redouté's reputation as the "Raphael of flowers."The artwork showcases a tall, elegant stem adorned with diverse stages of the rose's life cycle—from tightly coiled buds preparing to bloom to fully opened blossoms displaying their intricate layers of pale pink petals. Each flower and bud is rendered with utmost precision, highlighting Redouté's skill in capturing the subtle gradations of color and texture, making the petals appear almost translucent and softly glowing.Accompanying the roses is a set of robust leaves, depicted in deep, lush greens with realistic venation, adding a lively contrast to the soft pinks of the petals. The background is deliberately muted, a pale wash that ensures the viewer's focus remains firmly on the botanical subject."Rosa Damascena Celsiana Prolifera" is more than just a visual delight; it serves as a historical document reflecting the fascination with botanical studies during the period. It appeals not only to those with an interest in art or botany but also unfolds a story of beauty and detail that echoes through time, preserved in the delicate strokes of Redouté's hand.