Tulp genaamd Bizard Rosette 1741 - 1795

Cornelis van Noorde created this watercolor drawing of a tulip called Bizard Rosette, but the date of creation is unknown. This image reflects a unique moment in Dutch history known as "Tulip Mania." In the 17th century, tulips, especially those with striking color variations caused by a virus, became highly coveted status symbols. Prices soared, and the tulip market became a speculative frenzy, with single bulbs trading for more than houses. Van Noorde's meticulous rendering captures the beauty of this particular tulip variety but also unwittingly documents a moment of extreme economic and social instability. The formal precision and scientific approach to botanical illustration underscore the cultural obsession with tulips. Understanding this artwork requires us to delve into economic records, social histories, and the popular press of the time. By examining these sources, we can understand art not just as aesthetic beauty, but as a mirror reflecting society’s values and sometimes, its follies.