Twee tulpen met twee schelpen, twee kevers en waterjuffer 1639

This watercolor and gouache work on paper was created by Jacob Marrel. It is one of many such images that document the appearance of flowers – particularly tulips, which were subject to speculative economic frenzy in the Netherlands during the early 17th century. Marrel's picture doesn't just depict the flowers, shells, and insects. It also demonstrates a high degree of skill in rendering them. Note, for instance, the translucent quality of the dragonfly's wings, achieved through delicate applications of pigment. The same care is taken with the mottling of the tulip petals, and the subtle striations of the shells. Consider this image in relation to the concept of value. Marrel, through his labor-intensive technique, imbued these specimens with significance. This connects to the economic frenzy surrounding tulips at the time. By exploring the materials, and the intense labor that went into the making of this image, we can understand the economic environment in which it was made.