Rosa Eglanteria var. punicea - Pierre-Joseph Redouté

A detailed botanical study of the Rosa Eglanteria var. punicea by Pierre-Joseph Redouté, featuring precise stipple engraving and watercolour techniques.

Pierre-Joseph Redouté, often referred to as the Raphael of flowers, produced this study for his monumental publication, Les Roses. Published between 1817 and 1824, this three-volume work remains a primary reference for botanical accuracy and aesthetic precision. Redouté served as the official flower painter to Empress Joséphine, who maintained a collection of roses at the Château de Malmaison. This position allowed him access to rare specimens from across the globe, which he documented with scientific rigour.

The image depicts the Rosa Eglanteria var. punicea, a variety of the sweet briar rose. Redouté employs a stipple engraving technique, which involves creating tone through small dots rather than solid lines. This method allows for the subtle graduation of colour seen in the petals, moving from deep crimson to the soft yellow at the base. The composition is balanced, featuring a central stem with open blooms, buds, and serrated foliage. A detached rose hip is included at the bottom left, providing a cross-section of the plant's reproductive cycle. The scientific nomenclature is inscribed at the base, maintaining the tradition of eighteenth-century natural history plates.

Redouté's work occupies a space between art and science. His ability to capture the texture of the leaves and the delicate structure of the thorns demonstrates his technical mastery. The background remains clean and white, ensuring the focus stays on the botanical specimen. This print is a reproduction of the original stipple engraving, preserving the clarity and colour palette of the nineteenth-century edition. It provides a clear view of the plant's morphology, suitable for those interested in the history of botany or the development of scientific illustration during the French Restoration period.