Currier & Ives – Rose of May (1870)
William MorrinWilliam Morrin renders the 'Rose of May' with the disciplined grace of 19th-century lithography, capturing a botanical specimen that feels both scientifically observed and deeply decorative. This composition balances the lush weight of blooming petals against the delicate architecture of thorns and leaves, grounding the floral form in a rich, vintage tradition.

Styling images show a frame. Print sold unframed.
Currier & Ives – Rose of May (1870)
William Morrin renders the 'Rose of May' with the disciplined grace of 19th-century lithography, capturing a botanical specimen that feels both scientifically observed and deeply decorative. This composition balances the lush weight of blooming petals against the delicate architecture of thorns and leaves, grounding the floral form in a rich, vintage tradition.
28 × 35 cm · about ⅛ the width of a 3-seat sofa
A meaningful share of this purchase goes directly to William Morrin.
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Art Analysis
From the artist, William Morrin
A disciplined study of nineteenth-century floral lithography
This 1870 print from Currier & Ives serves as a definitive example of early American lithographic art, where the focus lies in the intricate layering of color and line. Morrin avoids the flat nature of simple sketches, instead building a sense of volume within the rosebuds through careful shading and a vibrant palette. The illustration highlights the textural contrast between the soft, unfurling petals and the sharp, jagged edges of the botanical greenery, creating a rhythmic visual flow across the portrait orientation.
Set within a classic frame aesthetic, the work reflects a period when floral subjects were prized for their refined detail and naturalistic accuracy. The composition is dense yet orderly, allowing each leaf and stem to contribute to a singular, cohesive image of spring growth. By emphasizing the structural integrity of the plant alongside its colorful bloom, the piece functions as both a historical document of 19th-century taste and a vivid exploration of botanical form.
Fine lines and detailed rendering ground the flora and fauna in a tradition of nature-focused illustration.
This piece utilizes the refined printmaking techniques of the late 1800s to achieve soft color gradients and crisp, illustrative outlines.
The use of a rich, varied palette brings a lifelike energy to the illustration, moving beyond simple sketches into a full-color celebration of nature.
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