Vintage Rose Illustrations – Free Printable Rose Art
Vintage Rose Illustrations
Free Downloadable Botanical Rose Printables
Roses have captivated artists, gardeners, and romantics for centuries. Long before photography, delicate botanical illustrations were the primary way to document and celebrate the beauty of flowers. Today, these vintage rose illustrations feel just as enchanting as they did over 150 years ago — and the best part is that many of them are now in the public domain and available to enjoy as free downloadable printables.
In this article, you’ll explore the history behind antique rose illustrations, learn about several iconic artworks, and discover creative ways to use these timeless images in your home and DIY projects.
Pin to Pinterest!
A Brief History of Roses in Botanical & Vintage Illustration
Botanical illustration flourished during the 18th and 19th centuries, a time when science and art worked hand in hand. Illustrators were tasked with creating images that were both scientifically accurate and visually beautiful. Roses, with their layered petals and symbolic meaning, quickly became a favorite subject.
France played a major role in the golden age of floral illustration, especially during the reign of Empress Joséphine Bonaparte, whose passion for roses inspired extensive botanical documentation. Lavish illustrated books such as Les Roses captured the diversity of cultivated roses and helped preserve these artworks for future generations.
Because many of these illustrations were published in the 1800s, they are now part of the public domain, making them ideal for free vintage wall art printables.
Featured Vintage Rose Illustrations in This Collection
The following antique rose illustrations are included in this free printable collection. Each one represents a unique moment in botanical art history.
Vintage Flower Illustration by Pierre-Joseph Redouté 🌹
Pierre-Joseph Redouté is often referred to as the “Raphael of flowers,” and for good reason. His rose illustrations are admired for their softness, precision, and lifelike quality. Using watercolor on vellum, Redouté managed to capture both botanical accuracy and emotional beauty.
This vintage flower illustration is perfect for anyone drawn to romantic décor, French-inspired interiors, or timeless botanical art.
Redouté – Rosa gallica pontiana
Rosa gallica pontiana is one of Redouté’s most recognizable rose illustrations. With its rich pink hues and carefully detailed petals, this artwork beautifully demonstrates why antique botanical roses remain so popular today.
This illustration works especially well in gallery walls, cottagecore spaces, or as part of a floral-themed printable collection.
Rosa gallica pontiana by Redouté – click this link to reach the online sources for this illustration.
Download ‘Rose gallica pontiana’ directly here or click on the image above.
‘Empress Josephine’ or Frankfort Rose (Rosa turbinata)
From Claude-Antoine Thory, Les Roses
This rose illustration holds a special place in history. Often associated with Empress Joséphine herself, the Frankfort Rose (Rosa turbinata) was featured in Les Roses, a landmark botanical publication by Claude-Antoine Thory.
The artwork reflects both botanical rigor and royal elegance, making it an excellent choice for classic décor, gift projects, or vintage-inspired stationery.
‘Empress Josephine’ or Frankfurt Rose (Rosa turbinata) – link to public domain source at The Met
Download ‘Empress Josephine’ directly here or click on the image above.
The Roses: China or Bengal Rose
The Roses: China or Bengal Rose.
This artwork is created by ‘color stipple with watercolor added by hand’.
It is listed at the website of the Cleveland Museum of Art under ‘Henry Joseph Redouté’
The Roses: China or Bengal Rose – Henry Joseph Redouté, Pierre-Joseph Redouté
This link leads to the site of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where this illustration can be admired.
Here is the link to download the illustration for free from this article.
Rosa Centifolia Anglica Rubra
Another beautiful rose illustration by Henry Joseph Redouté. “stipple and line engraving, with hand coloring” – that’s how the technique is described by the Cleveland Museum of Art, in which collection you can find this particular artwork.
Rosa Centifolia Anglica Rubra – click here to have a look at the online source of this beautiful vintage Rose illustration.
This link provides the direct download of the image pictured above. You can also click on the image itself and it will lead you to download the image.
Rosa ‘Comte de Montalivet’ (1848)
Rosa ‘Comte de Montalivet’ dates back to 1848 and showcases the refined elegance of 19th-century botanical illustration. The composition highlights the rose’s natural growth, delicate petals, and subtle shading. This piece works beautifully as framed wall art in bedrooms, bathrooms, or classic-style interiors.
Rosa ‘Comte de Montalivet’ 1848 – click this link to reach the online sources for this illustration.
Download ‘Comte de Montalivet’ directly here or click on the image above.
Why Vintage Rose Illustrations Are Still So Popular Today
Vintage rose art has never truly gone out of style. These illustrations appeal to modern audiences because they are:
- Romantic yet timeless
- Soft enough to blend with contemporary décor
- Ideal for cottagecore, farmhouse, shabby chic, and classic interiors
- A sustainable and budget-friendly decorating option when used as printables
They also allow you to refresh your space seasonally without committing to permanent artwork.
How to Decorate With Vintage Rose Printables
Vintage rose illustrations are incredibly versatile. Here are a few popular ways to use them:
- Frame them as wall art in bedrooms, bathrooms, or hallways
- Create a botanical gallery wall with coordinating florals
- Style shelves, desks, or reading nooks with small framed prints
- Swap artwork seasonally for a fresh look without spending money
Creative DIY Projects Using Vintage Rose Art
Beyond wall décor, these printable rose illustrations are perfect for creative projects:
- Junk journals and collage pages
- Handmade greeting cards and envelopes
- Scrapbooking and memory keeping
- Decoupage on boxes, trays, or notebooks
- Labels and decorative packaging accents
Because these images are in the public domain, they are especially popular with crafters and creatives.
About the Free Vintage Rose Printables
The vintage rose illustrations featured in this post are sourced from public-domain materials and provided as high-resolution printables. They are easy to download and print at home for personal use.
You can print them in a variety of sizes depending on your project — from small journal inserts to full-page wall art.
Download the Free Vintage Rose Illustrations
You can download the full collection of vintage rose illustrations directly from this page. Simply click the download link to access the printable files, then print and enjoy them however you like.
✨ Be sure to save or bookmark this page so you can return to it anytime inspiration strikes.
Printing & Styling Tips for Vintage Rose Art
For best results:
- Use matte or heavyweight paper for an authentic look
- Cardstock works well for framing or crafts
- Print in color for classic botanical beauty or black-and-white for a minimalist style
- Thrifted frames or simple wood frames complement vintage artwork beautifully
Bringing Classic Rose Art Into Your Home
Vintage rose illustrations offer a simple way to bring history, beauty, and creativity into everyday life. Whether you frame them as wall art, use them in journals, or include them in handmade projects, these timeless botanical roses continue to inspire across generations.
Explore the free printable collection, enjoy the artistry of Redouté and his contemporaries, and let classic rose beauty bloom in your home.
More Free Vintage Floral Prints for your home
Free Vintage Peonies Illustrations
Vintage Valentine’s Day Illustrations
Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Disclaimer | Cookie Policy