144 'ROSES IN PORCELAIN'
by Emilie Vouga (1840-1909)

This amazing cascade of roses is so finely painted that it turns this still life into an extremely rare piece. It is not just the delicacy of the brushwork that created it, but sheer talent and empathy for the subject that makes the very softness appear to be almost real. The only thing missing here is the fragrance.

The 'Queen of the Garden' is a justifiable name for most of these exotic plants which are deservedly respected by almost everyone.

Here in Emilie Vouga's masterpiece, each bloom is a shade different from the other, creating the reality which exists with roses taken from an old and established garden.

It is probably the ultimate pleasure for the artist to bring the same warmth into the house which the genuine roses achieve themselves. The contrast with the very dark background brings an extra sense of proportion to this exquisite painting.

Even the porcelain was chosen carefully in order to reduce any possible clash between natural and man made objects within the composition. The bowl looks chinese and the plate seems to be out of the same service. I shall dig further to ascertain its origin at some point.

The roses themselves at first all seem to emanate from one species, despite the variety of colours. Is this possible? See if you can identify any of these and please, do let me know?