Studies van zonnebloemen en dialtia 1677 - 1755

Elias van Nijmegen made this delicate drawing titled 'Studies van zonnebloemen en dialtia' with pen in the Netherlands sometime in the late 17th or early 18th century. The sketch gives us insight into the cultural interests of the Dutch Republic during its Golden Age. This era was marked by a burgeoning middle class with a keen interest in the natural world, which led to the popularity of botanical studies and garden culture. The presence of particular flowers in the artwork also carries meaning. Flowers like sunflowers and dialtia might have been chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their symbolic associations with prosperity and beauty. This interest in botany and its artistic representation was also supported by institutions like the Dutch East India Company, which facilitated the import of exotic species. By looking into botanical texts and trade records from the period, we can better understand how Van Nijmegen's work fits into the broader social, economic, and intellectual context.