Twee tulpen met twee kersen en bij 1637

Jacob Marrel painted this watercolour of two tulips with cherries and a bee sometime in the 17th century. But this isn’t just a pretty picture; it's a window into the Dutch Golden Age, a period fuelled by global trade and a fascination with the natural world. Look at those tulips. Their vibrant, flame-like patterns weren't just aesthetically pleasing; they were a status symbol. During the infamous ‘Tulip Mania’ of the 1630s, these exotic blooms became a speculative commodity, with single bulbs fetching exorbitant prices, reflecting the intense economic activity of the time. Marrel was a sought-after artist, painting such specimens for wealthy merchants and collectors. By studying merchant ledgers, botanical treatises, and auction catalogues, we can unlock the cultural meanings embedded in this image, and appreciate the complex interplay between art, commerce, and social aspiration in the Dutch Golden Age.