Ren Yu (Chinese, B. 1945) "Chinese Rose" Signed lower right. Watercolor. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. No flower is as steeped in history and legend as the Rose, hailed for centuries as the Queen of Flowers. Today, one can scarcely imagine the great importance ancient civilizations placed in this blossom. The Romans wore the Rose in extravagant garlands and also scattered its petals lavishly on floors and couches. At one grand banquet showers of petals were released from the ceiling in such great quantities that several of the guests suffocated in the fragrant flowers. The Roman's hedonistic use of Roses incensed the early Christians and they would not allow the flower to be brought into their churches. However, within a few years, the Rose returned to their favor and became the emblem of Christian martyrs. Since it commemorates a chaplet of Roses supposedly given by the Virgin Mary to St. Dominick, even the rosary of the Roman Catholic Church originated with the beloved blossom. In fact, the first rosaries were strings of beads actually formed from tightly pressed rose petals. The Rose -- subject of legend and lore -- is as varied as the countries where it can be found. Some of the finest blooms are grown in the United States where few flowers rival the Rose as a favorite blossom. Rich in color, fragrance, and exquisite form, the Rose is the pride and joy of many American gardens. With the first hint of summer, the flowers burst into bloom, each a work of art with nature as its talented artist. Image Size: 18.25 x 19.5 in. Overall Size: 23.75 x 22 in. Unframed. (B06740)