Twee tulpen met spin en vlieg in spinnenweb 1639

Jacob Marrel's "Twee tulpen met spin en vlieg in spinnenweb" (Two tulips with a spider and a fly in a spider web), created in 1639, is a stunning example of Dutch botanical illustration. The painting showcases two vibrantly colored, striped tulips, a delicate spider web, and a fly in exquisite detail. This work, now part of the Rijksmuseum's collection, reflects the Dutch fascination with both nature and the scientific study of the natural world during the Golden Age. The work is a small-scale watercolor, measuring just 265 mm high and 335 mm wide, yet it captures the intricate beauty of these flowers with meticulous precision. The composition is balanced and elegant, highlighting the delicate beauty of these common, yet often overlooked, elements of nature.