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Rosa Damacena Celsiana (Roses): Original 19th C. Hand-colored Redoute Engraving

Creator: Pierre-Joseph Redouté
Offered by: Timeless Intaglio – Rare Prints, Maps & Books

Description
This rare original 19th century hand-colored stipple engraving entitled "Rosa Damacena Celsiana Prolifera (Roses)" by Pierre-Joseph Redouté is from his and Claude Anthoine Thory's illustrated publication 'Les Roses', published in Paris by Dufart and Hauer between 1828-1829. Redoute was a pioneer of the stipple engraving technique, which he used to create this image. It involves utilizing a series of small dots worked into a copper plate rather than the more common lines. These dots can be made smaller or thicker depending on the degree of opacity the artist intends for various areas of the print. When inked and applied to paper, this allows for a greater portion of the paper to be seen, which accentuates the appearance of luminosity of the subject the artist is creating. Different color inks are used in the printing process, a time consuming technique known as "a la poupee". The engraving is then finished with watercolor to further enhance the beauty and realism of the print subject.

This hand-colored engraving of red roses on their stems is in excellent condition. There are a few punctate opacities which appear most likely to represent tiny imperfections related to the paper manufacture. The original descriptive text pages from Redoute's 19th century publication are included. A larger version of this engraving is currently listed online for $12,000.

There is another Redoute rose engraving from this series that is listed on 1stdibs. The two engravings would make for a striking display grouping. See 1stdibs item LU1173211601512. A discount is available for the purchase of both of these engravings. Please inquiry about details.

Pierre-Joseph Redouté (1759-1840), was a painter and botanist originally from Belgium, who pursued his extremely successful artistic career in France. He is well known for his watercolor paintings of roses, lilies and other flowers and their subsequent folio-sized, color stipple engravings. Some believe him to be the greatest botanical illustrator of all time. Redouté was a favorite of the French royal court at the time and of the post French revolution aristocracy. He was an official court artist of Queen Marie Antoinette and his works continued to in demand during and after the French Revolution and Reign of Terror. He combined great artistic skills with a pleasing, ingratiating personality which assisted him with his influential patrons. After the fall of the French monarchy, he was a favorite Empress Joséphine, Napoleon Bonaparte's wife and later by his second wife Marie Louise, Duchess of Parma. The wife of Louis Philippe I, the last king of France, Maria Amalia of Naples and Sicily, was also a patron.

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Period:	19th Century
Condition:	Good.
Creation Date:	1828
Styles / Movements:	Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	618012

Dimensions

W.	6 in;	H.	9.25 in;
W.	15.24 cm;	H.	23.5 cm;

Message from Seller:

Timeless Intaglio is an online gallery of rare and collectable antiquarian prints, maps and books. Although we specialize in all forms of vintage printed works on paper, the majority were created with the intaglio method of transferring ink from a plate, usually copper, to paper with a technique utilizing pressure generated by a press. Email us directly: rbreiman@timelessintaglio.com