Tulipa gesneriana (have-tulipan) 1635 - 1664

Hans Simon Holtzbecker painted this ‘Tulipa gesneriana’ in the 17th century, using watercolor on paper. Consider the processes involved: from the cultivation of the tulip itself, a luxury item that caused speculative frenzy at this time, to the grinding of pigments and preparation of paper. Holtzbecker’s delicate application of color required immense skill, built up through years of apprenticeship. The thin washes create subtle gradations, capturing the texture and form of the flower with scientific precision. Yet this is no mere illustration. The artist has selected a specimen of singular beauty, its petals flamed with vibrant hues, celebrating the artifice of selective breeding. The level of detail suggests the amount of work involved in the production process. By attending to these materials and processes, we can appreciate how Holtzbecker elevated the craft of botanical illustration to the level of fine art, while also subtly commenting on the commercial forces that made such exquisite flowers so highly prized.