Rosa Lucida (1817 - 1824)

The exquisite artwork titled "Rosa Lucida" by Pierre Joseph Redouté, created between 1817 and 1824, features a detailed and sensitive portrayal of the Rosa lucida plant, also known as the shining rose. This painting showcases Redouté’s exceptional skills as a botanical illustrator, which have captivated viewers for centuries.In the painting, the central subject is a Rosa lucida branch, elegantly composed with multiple blooms and buds in various stages of development. The flowers are depicted with lush, pink petals that gently curl at the edges, encircling a bright yellow center of delicate stamens. The soft pink of the petals contrasts beautifully with the rich green of the leaves, which are portrayed with meticulous attention to their serrated edges and glossy texture.Below the main branch, a single rose hip is also illustrated. This detail not only adds to the botanical accuracy of the piece but also provides a visual balance to the composition, highlighting the full life cycle of the rose plant.Redouté's work is not just scientifically accurate; it also has an artistic quality that elevates it beyond mere illustration. His use of light and color, along with the delicate shading and textures, brings a vibrancy to the painting, making the plant seem almost tangible.