Greystones Fine Interiors

Description

Pierre-Joseph Redouté (1759-1840) was one of the most talented botanical artists ever known. He is also possibly the most popular botanical artist in history - his sharpened observation and individual creativeness distinguishing him as a true artist as opposed to being an illustrator. Redouté was fortunate to become an artist who was patronized by the kings of France from Louis XVI to Louis-Philippe. His profile also has a unique claim to fame. His status and reputation was enhanced in no small way due to his patronage by two of the premier first ladies of European history - Marie Antoinette and Josephine Bonaparte. His two most famous work was Les Roses (1817 - 21) with original watercolours now selling for several hundred thousand pounds each, original portfolios of his engravings for well over £500,000 and original chromolithographs several thousand pounds each. Redouté's original watercolours are characterised by subtle gradations of tone and when exploring methods for accurately reproducing his paintings Redouté's selected stipple engraving which produced simply astonishing and exquisite plates. The plates in Les Roses have artistic value, and botanical and documentary value, both for the species and cultivars still surviving and for those that have disappeared.

Here we are delighted to offer a sublime, 'Rosa Indica Cruenta' (This beautiful variety was bought from China by Squire T Evans, with its first cultivated flowering being in 1810. The flowers, often very large, terminal are borne at the end of the twigs. They are solitary when the plant is young, but when it has acquired its growth they unite together in a form of corymb. The corolla is formed of five to six rows of petals of a somewhat velvety crimson or blood red. Professor De Candolle likens it to the colour of arterial blood 'quite lively red'. They are irregularly indented at the top of the petals.)
very fine lithograph. Closer inspection of the flowers and plant shows the most incredible detailing, astonishing shading and graduation, incredible use of tone and colours. This is an incredibly fine and romantic work, and showcases a Master practicing his art - an astonishing plate.

The lithograph was printed by hand in 1954 by K.G. Lohse of Frankfurt, made using the original 'stipple' engraving plate from the hand of Pierre Joseph Redoute. This plate is near identical to those produced with Redouté's oversight, the tones, textures, details are astonishing. This is a very, very fine plate indeed.

The lithograph is mounted in a substantial and grand bespoke handmade and hand-finished quality and wonderfully gilded wooden frame with a confidently proportioned decorated mount. A fine gold fillet has been added as a very sophisticated contrast for the plate. With good light this piece just glows, with a wonderful and warm gold tone. The glass is museum quality with low reflection, amazing colour transparency and high U.V. absorption to protect the works. The archival materials and professional techniques used to protect and frame this work will ensure that it continues to be enjoyed for many decades to come.

The framed Lithograph measures 56cm tall by 44cm wide.

The work can be shipped, at cost, within the UK or Internationally.