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"Rosa × damascena, Rosebush" by Pierre Joseph Redouté is an exquisite botanical illustration capturing the delicate beauty of the Damask rose. The image showcases a portion of a rosebush, complete with blooming roses, buds, and leaves. Redouté's masterful technique meticulously renders the fine details of the rose's petals, which exhibit subtle gradations of pink, transitioning from deeper hues at the center to softer blushes at the edges.

The petals’ texture is almost tangible, with gentle ruffles and folds depicted through meticulous shading and layering. The leaves, varying in size, provide a lush green backdrop, their serrated edges and veins intricately detailed. The stems are slender yet sturdy, dotted with sharp, fine thorns, establishing a realistic dimension to the illustration. The composition is both scientifically precise and artistically graceful, embodying the elegance and fragility of the rosebush.

Artist: Pierre Joseph Redouté (1759 – 1840)
Title: Rosa × damascena, Rosebush (Rosa damascena)
Series: Les Roses
Date: 1817–1824
Medium: Watercolor on vellum
Dimensions: Approximately 51 x 34 cm

Current Location:
The original works from "Les Roses" were typically produced for the high society and royal patrons of the time. Many of Redouté's illustrations, including works from "Les Roses," can be found in esteemed institutions such as the New York Public Library, the Musée de la Vie Romantique in Paris, and various private collections.

Artist Background and Career:
Pierre Joseph Redouté was a Belgian painter and botanist known for his watercolor illustrations of roses, lilies, and other flowers. He was often referred to as the "Raphael of flowers." Redouté's career flourished during the late 18th and early 19th centuries when he served as a court artist for Queen Marie Antoinette and later for Empress Joséphine de Beauharnais. His illustrations are celebrated for their scientific accuracy, artistic beauty, and contribution to botanical documentation.

"Les Roses," published between 1817 and 1824, is one of Redouté's most famous works, consisting of over 160 plates of roses. This collection is considered a pinnacle of botanical illustration, showcasing the many varieties of roses cultivated in Empress Josephine's gardens at Malmaison. Redouté's meticulous work aligned with the Enlightenment's burgeoning interest in science and exploration, where detailed and accurate botanical illustrations were crucial for scientific study and classification.

Artistic and Cultural Significance:
Redouté's illustrations from "Les Roses" blend scientific observation with aesthetic sensibility, capturing the essence of the flowers with unparalleled precision and elegance. His work represents a confluence of art and science, characteristic of the Enlightenment era's progressive thought.

The Damask rose, specifically, holds historical and cultural significance for its use in perfumery and medicine, as well as its symbolic associations with beauty and love. Redouté's illustration thus becomes not just a work of art but a documentation of cultural heritage.

Noteworthy Details:
- Technique: Redouté's use of watercolor on vellum allows for a smooth, luminous quality to the petals and leaves, providing a vibrant life-like appearance to each illustration.
- Publication: "Les Roses" was published in an era when illustrated botanical books were highly valued by scientists, gardeners, and art collectors. The accuracy and artistry of these illustrations contributed significantly to horticulture and botanical studies.
- Legacy: Today, Redouté's works continue to inspire artists and botanists alike, celebrated for their delicate beauty and scientific contribution to the study of plant species.

In conclusion, "Rosa × damascena, Rosebush" from "Les Roses" epitomizes Redouté's genius in capturing the ephemeral beauty of flowers with scientific precision and artistic finesse, securing his legacy as one of the greatest botanical illustrators in history.