Twee tulpen met schelp en lieveheersbeestje 1639

"Twee tulpen met schelp en lieveheersbeestje" is a watercolor painting created in 1639 by Dutch artist Jacob Marrel (1613-1681). The painting, now in the Rijksmuseum, showcases two striped white and red tulips. It is considered a fine example of the Dutch Golden Age’s fascination with nature. The intricate details of the tulip petals and leaves combined with the inclusion of a seashell and a ladybug, lend a sense of realistic observation and delicate artistry that define Marrel’s signature style. This small-scale artwork exhibits the Dutch interest in scientific studies, a hallmark of the time.