Tulp (Tulipa) 1790 - 1814

Louis De Graeve captured this image of a tulip in watercolour, ink and graphite. The work invites us to consider the cultural and economic phenomenon known as “Tulip Mania” of the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century. During this time, tulips, recently introduced to Europe from Turkey, became a highly sought-after luxury item. The demand drove prices to extraordinary levels, with single bulbs trading for more than the cost of houses. In this climate, paintings and illustrations of tulips served as records of desirable varieties and as status symbols. De Graeve's rendering of the tulip with its variegated patterns, reflects the aesthetic preferences of the time, where such "broken" colors were highly prized. Yet, this image can also prompt us to reflect on the speculative nature of markets, the fleeting nature of beauty, and the complex relationship between humans and the natural world. The quiet stillness of the flower belies its tumultuous past.