Currier & Ives – Rose of May (1870)

William Morrin

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.

Currier & Ives – Rose of May (1870) — framed, leaning against the wall

Styling images show a frame. Print sold unframed.

William Morrin

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.

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£41.99
WALL ELEVATION

28 × 35 cm · about ⅛ the width of a 3-seat sofa

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Currier & Ives – Rose of May (1870)

William Morrin

Art Analysis

From the artist, William Morrin

Floral illustration created in 1870 by Currier & Ives, depicting a detailed and decorative rose composition. A classic example of 19th-century American printmaking with refined floral aesthetics.

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 By emphasizing the structural integrity of the plant alongside its colorful bloom, the piece functions as both a historical document of 19th-century taste and a vivid exploration of botanical form.

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About the Artist

William Morrin

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