De rozewitte hyacint Staaten Generaal 1734

Abraham Hendrik van Beesten created this botanical drawing of a pink and white hyacinth, named "De rozewitte hyacint Staaten Generaal", during the 18th century, when the Dutch Republic was a major center for botanical studies and the cultivation of exotic flowers. During this time, botany was more than a scientific pursuit. For the Dutch, it was intertwined with commerce and national identity. The careful cultivation and depiction of flowers like this hyacinth speak to a sense of cultural pride and economic power. It reflects a society deeply invested in natural science and the visual representation of the natural world. The States General, referenced in the title, were the governing body of the Dutch Republic. Giving the flower the name of the States General elevates its importance, associating it with the political and economic stability of the nation. In the 18th century, owning rare and beautiful flowers like the hyacinth was a status symbol. Van Beesten's artwork serves as both a botanical record and a reflection of the values of the Dutch Republic.