Rosa Gallica Agatha (Var. Prolifera) (1817 - 1824)

Discover the delicate elegance of "Rosa Gallica Agatha (Var. Prolifera)," a masterful illustration by Pierre Joseph Redouté, a celebrated botanical artist of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Created between the years 1817 and 1824, this artwork captures the timeless beauty of the proliferous variety of the Gallica rose, known for its exuberant blooms.The painting features a central, fully bloomed pink rose, resplendent in its rich layers of petals that exude a soft and lush appearance. Surrounding the primary bloom are several buds in various stages of development, from the tightly closed to those just beginning to open, hinting at the continuous cycle of growth and renewal. The rose is set against a stark, unadorned background which accentuates the natural beauty of the subject. Its leaves, richly detailed and true to nature, display shades of deep green with visible veins and slight undulations characteristic of the Gallica rose.Redouté's skillful use of watercolor achieves a delicate interplay of light and shadow, giving the petals a lifelike texture and translucency. Each brushstroke is meticulously applied to not only celebrate the visual charm of the rose but to serve as a scientific record of its form and coloration.This artwork is not just a visual pleasure but also an important historical piece, reflecting the values of an era that greatly appreciated floral beauty and botanical study.