Four Tulips: Boter man (Butter Man), Joncker (Nobleman), Grote geplumaceerde (The Great Plumed One), and Voorwint (With the Wind) 1635 - 1645

Jacob Marrel rendered these four tulips, “Butter Man,” “Nobleman,” “The Great Plumed One,” and “With the Wind,” with watercolor and graphite. Looking closely, you can see the delicate, translucent washes of color that define the tulips' forms, and the fine lines that capture their intricate patterns. Marrel’s skill as a draughtsman is undeniable, but it’s worth remembering that he was working within a very specific context. During the 17th century, the Netherlands experienced "tulip mania," a speculative frenzy that drove the price of these flowers to absurd heights. These were not just botanical specimens; they were commodities, symbols of wealth and status. Marrel, who also worked as a dealer, was part of this economic ecosystem. So, as you admire the beauty of these watercolor tulips, consider the complex relationship between art, commerce, and the natural world. It’s a reminder that even the most seemingly delicate objects can be deeply intertwined with social and economic forces.