Tulip (Tulipa Gesheriana), from the Flowers series for Old Judge Cigarettes 1890

This colorful image of a tulip, _Tulipa Gesheriana_, was produced by Goodwin & Company as part of a flower series for Old Judge Cigarettes. It presents us with the prominent tulip, a symbol laden with a history of desire and economic frenzy. Originating in the Ottoman Empire, the tulip became a coveted symbol of wealth and status in 17th-century Europe, reaching its peak during the Dutch “Tulip Mania.” Its vibrant colors and unique form captured the collective imagination, sparking irrational speculation and transforming the flower into a cultural phenomenon. This “mania” shares striking parallels with other forms of collective obsession throughout history. Consider, for example, the frenzy surrounding relics in the Middle Ages, or even the speculative bubbles in modern financial markets. The tulip, in this light, acts as a potent reminder of the intoxicating power of desire and the human tendency to project value onto objects, reflecting deep psychological undercurrents. The image before us is a powerful visual echo of these historical and psychological resonances.