Rosa rubiginosa and apricot blossom

Every edition needed a main illustration for the title page and two smaller ones to be spread freely across the text. This smaller design, the Rosa rubiginosa is one of the most thorny roses around; placed near a hedge it protects the nesting birds from intruders, like cats and foxes for it creates a natural and vicious barricade.

The apricot blossom radiates an oriental atmosphere. When painting them they are pure, enchanting but by no means simple to do.

© Gusta van Dobbenburgh