Two Tulips with Insects 1624 - 1681

Jacob Marrel created this watercolor titled 'Two Tulips with Insects,' now housed in the Rijksmuseum. His meticulous depiction places us right in the midst of the 17th-century Dutch obsession with tulips. During this period, tulips weren't just flowers; they were potent symbols of wealth, status, and global trade, as well as the inherent instability of economies based on speculation. Marrel’s choice to include insects draws our attention to the fragility of these blooms, and perhaps hints at a deeper commentary on the fleeting nature of beauty and prosperity. The contrast between the vibrant colors of the 'Augustus' tulip and the softer tones of the 'Vicerooy' suggests a meditation on the spectrum of values assigned to these coveted flowers. This watercolor captures a moment of quiet contemplation amidst the frenzy of "Tulip Mania," reminding us of the delicate balance between nature, commerce, and desire.