Pierre-Joseph Redouté

P.-J. Redouté and C.-A. Thory, Les Roses, Paris 1817-24, both engraved by Chapuy:
a) vol. I, pp. 105-106
b) vol. I, pp. 115-116

a) The drawing was formerly laid down at the edges to the mount, now detached apart from the upper right corner and along the left edge. Some patchy discolouration: along the left edge and at the lower left corner, and also in at the centre of the sheet, to the left of the main stem of the rose, and to the right, below the lowest group of leaves. The watercolour itself, however, is still strong. b) Laid down on mount. There is very slight yellowing at the margins of the sheet from where the glue has been applied, but barely noticeable. Some very thin, slight streaks to the lower right of the rose, which are a fault in the vellum, rather than later damage. Otherwise the condition is very good, strong and fresh.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The rose Cinnamomea Maialis remains popular, especially in Scandinavia, for its hardiness and early flowering.  Rosa Indica Pumila is a miniature China rose, and the ancestor of most modern miniature roses.  It was lost to cultivation shortly after Redouté painted it, before being re-discovered in Switzerland in the 1920s.