A Red and White Striped Tulip (Admiral Victor) c. 17th century

Curator: There’s a certain crispness to this image; the red stripes against the white petals are incredibly striking. Editor: This is Jacob Marrel’s rendering of a “Red and White Striped Tulip (Admiral Victor).” Marrel, born in 1613, was a master of botanical illustration. Curator: The name "Admiral Victor" hints at status, prestige. Was this tulip particularly prized? Editor: Absolutely. In the 17th century, tulips, especially those with striking patterns caused by a virus, were symbols of wealth and status during the Dutch Golden Age tulip mania. Curator: A single flower became a symbol of national obsession. The imagery reveals how something natural became burdened with social significance. Editor: Precisely, and Marrel, through his meticulous rendering, captured not just the flower but also the spirit of an era obsessed with beauty and, perhaps, fleeting fortune. Curator: It makes me wonder what future generations will deem worthy of such intense cultural and financial investment. Editor: Indeed. This simple image opens a window into understanding societal values and their evolution.