Tulp genaamd Bizard Pontifex Romanus 1741 - 1795

Cornelis van Noorde made this watercolor of a tulip named 'Bizard Pontifex Romanus', whose name translates to 'Bizarre Roman Pontiff', sometime in the 18th century. During this period in the Netherlands, tulips weren’t just flowers; they were a booming industry, and highly prized specimens could fetch exorbitant prices. This particular tulip, with its flamboyant streaks of color, embodies a kind of cultural tension. On one hand, the name references the Roman Pontiff, evoking a sense of established power and authority. On the other, the term "bizarre" hints at something unconventional, perhaps even subversive. It's fascinating to consider how something as seemingly innocent as a flower could become a site for negotiating ideas about class, value, and identity. The delicate rendering of the flower is beautiful, but I think we should also consider the cultural weight it carried.