“Les Roses,” authored by Pierre-Joseph Redouté with text by Claude-Antoine Thory, stands as a monumental work in botanical illustration, particularly focusing on the rose genus. Published between 1817 and 1824, this three-volume series showcases 170 hand-colored plates that have become iconic representations in botanical art.
Volume 3 continues the meticulous documentation and illustration of various rose species and cultivars, reflecting the culmination of Redouté’s dedication to capturing the beauty and diversity of roses.
Redouté, often hailed as the “Raphael of flowers,” was renowned for his ability to combine scientific accuracy with artistic elegance. His collaboration with Thory, a botanist, ensured that each illustration was accompanied by detailed botanical descriptions, providing both aesthetic pleasure and scientific value. The plates in Volume 3, like those in the preceding volumes, were produced using stipple-engraving—a technique that employs tiny dots to create delicate gradations of tone. This method allowed for subtle transitions in color and light, resulting in lifelike representations of each rose specimen. Notably, some editions of “Les Roses” were printed in large folio format on vellum paper, featuring both colored and uncolored plates, with Redouté himself retouching them to enhance their precision and artistry.
Volume 3 of “Les Roses” not only expands the botanical repertoire by introducing additional rose species and hybrids but also reflects the horticultural trends and discoveries of the early 19th century. The detailed illustrations and accompanying descriptions serve as a valuable record of the rose varieties cultivated and admired during that period. Redouté’s work has had a lasting impact on botanical illustration, setting a standard for accuracy and beauty that continues to inspire artists and botanists alike. The enduring appeal of “Les Roses” lies in its successful fusion of art and science, capturing the essence of roses in a manner that is both informative and visually captivating.
Volume 3 of “Les Roses” exemplifies Redouté’s masterful artistry and his commitment to botanical documentation. Through his collaboration with Thory, he produced a work that transcends mere illustration, offering a comprehensive and aesthetically pleasing study of roses. The meticulous techniques employed, coupled with the detailed botanical descriptions, have cemented “Les Roses” as a seminal work in botanical literature, with Volume 3 contributing significantly to its legacy.