Rosier a cent feuilles 1827

This print, "Rosier a cent feuilles," or rose with one hundred petals, was made by François Langlois in the late 18th or early 19th century, using a technique called stipple engraving. This labor-intensive method involves using a special tool to create thousands of tiny dots on a copper plate. The varying densities of these dots create the illusion of shading and depth. Once engraved, the plate is inked and pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Look closely and you can see how the texture of the stipple lends a soft, almost velvety quality to the petals. The process required careful planning, patience, and skill on the part of the printmaker. While seemingly simple, botanical prints like these played a role in the expanding fields of science and horticulture, circulating knowledge alongside the market for luxury goods. Consider the many hands involved in bringing this image to life, from the cultivation of the roses themselves to the production of paper and ink. This work shows how the language of craft can be used in service of both art and science.