Camaïeu

class: Gallica
breeding: before 1790
photographed by Daphne Filiberti in her garden

In classical times French artists painted marbles, tapestries, and porcelain en camaïeu, or to give the impression of being carved in relief like a cameo. Most books credit Vibert for the rose in 1830; however, François Joyaux acknowledges Gendron for the rose in 1826. Camaïeu may have been named for the style in which the colors of the rose layer on top of one another. The slightly double, loosely arranged petals have a soft rose-pink background with irregular stripes that change through a spectrum of purples. The (monochromatic?) purples constantly change through all shades, which layer on top of one another. The rose is sweetly scented. I have had my Camaïeu planted for over five years. It is a small three foot plant, with lax canes.