Wilde narcis en trompetnarcis 1617

This engraving, "Wilde narcis en trompetnarcis," was created by Crispijn van de Passe the Younger. During the 17th century, the Dutch Golden Age saw a flourishing interest in botany and natural history. This print reflects that cultural moment. At first glance, the image may seem like a simple, scientific illustration. However, within its delicate lines, we can see the emerging cultural values of the time: a passion for classification and an appreciation for the natural world. As the Dutch Republic expanded its global reach through trade, there was an increased interest in exotic plants and flowers. Flowers became not just objects of scientific study, but also symbols of wealth and status. The double daffodil, depicted here, represents this fascination with the rare and the cultivated. Van de Passe skillfully captures the beauty of these flowers, transforming them into objects of desire and symbols of a complex cultural landscape.