Twee tulpen met twee waterjuffers en lieveheersbeestje 1639

Here, Jacob Marrel has captured two tulips with dragonflies and a ladybug in watercolor and gouache. The tulips, particularly during the Dutch Golden Age, were symbols of prosperity and ephemeral beauty, reflecting the transience of life. Notice the dragonflies. These delicate creatures, often associated with transformation and adaptability, remind us of the constant flux of nature and the soul’s journey. Dragonflies appear in ancient mythologies as symbols of illusion, messengers, and even the souls of the dead. Similarly, the ladybug—a symbol of good luck—perches delicately on a leaf. This humble insect has been seen across cultures as a protector, a bringer of fortune. The composition evokes a deep, subconscious connection to the natural world, touching on our primal understanding of life, death, and rebirth. The symbolism in Marrel's work invites a deeper contemplation of nature’s enduring power and its reflection in our own human experience. Through Marrel’s depiction, these symbols are not static, but dynamically engage with our collective memory.