The Roses: Rosa Gallica Purpurea Velutina Parva

1817–24

after Henri Joseph Redouté

(French, 1766–1853)

Culture

France, 19th century

Medium

color stipple engraving with watercolor added by hand

Measurements

Sheet: 53.5 x 33.8 cm (21 1/16 x 13 5/16 in.); Platemark: 34.9 x 25.9 cm (13 3/4 x 10 3/16 in.)

Credit Line

Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Prasse Collection 1965.293

Catalogue raisonné

Beraldi Vol. XI. 178 ; Dunthorne 229.232

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Location

Not on view

Description

The subtle tones in Redouté’s paintings nearby were faithfully captured by engravers, but the prints do not imitate the spontaneity and deftness of the master’s brushwork, which carefully described every detail. The drawings were interpreted using the most skillful and refined stipple engraving but relied on a combination of printed and hand coloring. A thin wash of watercolor that closely matches the printing ink was meticulously applied over every part of the image, with an occasional use of contrasting tints for the highlights.