Tulipa gesneriana (have-tulipan) 1635 - 1664

Hans Simon Holtzbecker made this watercolor on paper, titled "Tulipa gesneriana," though the exact date is unknown. It depicts two vibrant tulips, their red and white streaks capturing the eye. This image speaks to the cultural phenomenon of "Tulip Mania" in the Netherlands during the 17th century. The Dutch Golden Age saw an explosion of wealth, and with it, a fascination with exotic goods. Tulips, recently introduced from Turkey, became a highly sought-after status symbol. The rarest bulbs commanded astronomical prices, leading to speculative frenzy and eventually, a market crash. Holtzbecker, working in this period, likely created this botanical illustration for a wealthy patron, eager to document and perhaps even trade in these coveted flowers. To fully understand the artwork, we can consult historical trade records, botanical treatises, and social commentaries of the time. It's a reminder that even something as seemingly simple as a flower can be deeply intertwined with economic and social history.