Brendel dog rose c. 1880

A Brendel botanical model of the dog Rose, or rosa canina of the 1880’s. The Brendel Rosa model is part of the ‘Zierplanzen’ or ornamental plants series. It depicts the flower and the ovary 9 times enlarged. The flowers are made of paper mâché which are adjusted to green painted wooden stems. The ovary is cut in half, allowing the viewer to view the inner side. The stems are held by turned wooden ebonized holders which can be adjusted on an ebonized stand. On the blue label the names of the no. 34 dog rose are depicted in different languages. It rests on a ebonized turned wooden stand with its original blue label on which it numbered no. 34, which corresponds with the Brendel catalogue.In 1866 Robert Brendel (ca. 1821-1898) from Breslau started the production the flower models. He was succeeded by his son Reinhold Brendel (ca. 1861-1927). In 1866, there were thirty models to choose from, and by 1913, there were nearly 300. Using the papier-mâché base, other additional materials, including glass, gelatin and feathers were added to illustrate particular features. The models were developed in consultation with leading professors in botany. These models are the result of scientists and craftspeople collaborating to produce beautiful working tools for the communication of science.Height: 46 cm.