219 'ROSES' and
'STILL LIFE OF PINK ROSES IN A GLASS VASE'
by Frans Mortelmans (1865-1936)

In the beautiful language of flowers, Roses stand for 'Love', and this painting has clearly been created by a person who loves old Roses. It is the work of such an able, mature and experienced floral painter to virtually convey the special and delicate fragrance. The actual roses in both paintings are almost certainly of the "BARONESS ROTHSCHILD" variety, one of the most beautiful of the variety of Hybrid Perpetuals.
Empress Josephine, wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, did much to promote interest in hybrid roses, cultivating many varieties in the extensive gardens of Versailles, no doubt making use of the army of workers employed there. Her own special Hybrids were the forerunners of most Hybrid Tea Roses around today. This particular variety was not actually cultivated as such, but discovered as a 'sport' (a happy chance) by Pernet Père in 1868. Its parent plant was "SOUVENIR DE LA REINE D'ANGLETERRE". Once discovered and admired, it was cultivated as a Hybrid Perpetual, a true Old Rose, and became popular with discerning Victorians and Edwardians.

These two displays were captured on canvas by Mortelmans to record this special rose for posterity. He has used powerful sweeps and S-curves, adding strength and harmony to the separate compositions.

Frans Mortelmans studied at the Fine Arts Academy, Antwerp and later taught at the Berchem School of Art in that city. He was the brother of the famous Flemish composer, Lodewijk Mortelmans. He set up his own studio in 1892 and worked in pastel, watercolour and lithography. His paintings are generally decorative, and he is particularly admired for his realistic portrayal of flowers.