Tulipa gesneriana (have-tulipan) 1635 - 1664

Hans Simon Holtzbecker rendered these tulips with watercolor and gouache on paper. The smooth surface of the paper allows for meticulous detail, particularly visible in the delicate veining of the leaves and petals. Holtzbecker's technique involves layering thin washes of color to build up depth and volume. The subtle gradations create a sense of realism, but the precision of the lines also speaks to the art of botanical illustration. These weren’t just artworks, but also documents of the natural world. The choice of watercolor and gouache connects this piece to a tradition of naturalistic rendering, yet this work reflects a specific cultural moment: “Tulipmania.” In the 17th century, the Netherlands experienced an economic bubble fueled by speculation in tulip bulbs. Prices soared to exorbitant levels before crashing. Holtzbecker’s detailed rendering captures this moment when nature, art, and commerce became intertwined, reminding us that even the most beautiful objects can be caught up in cycles of production and consumption.