Antique Chromolithographs of Roses (Set of 2), 1914
€ 340
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1914
Mapmaker / artist
Alfred Parsons (artist), Ellen Ann Willmott (author), London, 1914
Technique
Chromolithograph
Sheet size
37 × 27 cm (14.6 × 10.6 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14125-3 & BG-14125-4
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
Both plates retain strong color and sharp detail. Very light toning around the outer margins consistent with age. Paper remains sound, with no tears or repairs noted. Excellent examples overall.
About this sheet
Pair of Antique Rose Chromolithographs by Parsons & Willmott, 1914
This striking pair of chromolithographs originates from Ellen Ann Willmott’s monumental work 'The Genus Rosa' (1910–1914), illustrated by Alfred Parsons (1847–1920). As one of the greatest botanical publications of the early 20th century, it stands as the definitive study of wild and cultivated roses, often compared to Redouté’s 'Les Roses' for both scientific importance and artistic excellence.
The prints are sold unframed as a set of prints only.
Ellen Willmott (1858–1934) was celebrated as one of the most influential gardeners of her age. At her estate, Warley Place in Essex, she assembled an extraordinary collection of roses, supported by nearly ninety gardeners. Her collaboration with Alfred Parsons, a noted painter, illustrator, and garden designer, brought forth a series of plates that combined accuracy with elegance, offering an unrivaled visual record of the genus.
The first plate captures a wild rose branch with three blossoms in soft crimson-pink, accompanied by finely serrated leaves and thorned stems, a vivid reminder of the plant’s untamed character. The second plate portrays a more cultivated variety with multiple blooms, from tightly furled buds to a fully opened, richly layered rose. The juxtaposition of wild and cultivated forms highlights the diversity of the genus and demonstrates Parsons’ ability to render both delicacy and vigor in botanical art.
Condition report: Both plates retain strong color and sharp detail. Very light toning around the outer margins consistent with age. Paper remains sound, with no tears or repairs noted. Excellent examples overall.
Framing tips: This pair is ideally suited to be displayed together in matching frames. Ivory or cream mounts will enhance the freshness of the foliage, while dark wood or gilt frames add classical depth. Double matting with a thin green or soft rose-red line will draw out the tones of the blossoms and create a refined decorative presentation.
