Collection Spotlight: Christmas Roses

Found in the Rohlfs’ collection, located in the Ovoid gallery on MAACM’s second floor, this lithograph and accompanying frame depict beautiful Christmas roses. Charles Rohlfs’ precision and attention to detail are exemplified in this exquisite frame which he specifically designed for the lithograph Roses de Noёl ("Christmas Roses"), which hung in his Buffalo, NY, home. The image shows a woman in profile admiring a field of Christmas roses set against a tree line, with rolling hills and water in the background. Corresponding flowers and foliage are carved into the frame’s top and bottom, appearing to have grown from the print.

In the winter months animals hibernate, trees shed their leaves and the weather, in places other than Florida, turns cold and frosty. However, not all plants go dormant during this time of year. Christmas Roses thrive all winter long. Frost resistant, this beautiful five-pointed star-shaped flower flourishes during the cold winter months, nature's promise that come spring the earth will sprout anew with life.

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season from the MAACM family!