Object Image

Study of a Tulip (Anvaers)

These images of tulips-each slightly different from the next-once belonged to albums of similar drawings compiled during the "tulip mania," a time in 1600s Holland when 10 tulip bulbs could cost more than a stately Amsterdam canal house. Tulip books were kept by collectors or used by growers to show potential buyers the flower they could expect from the bulb. The stripes on the tulips, caused by a virus, made these red and white specimens especially valuable. To elevate their perceived value even further, each was given a lofty name, such as "marriage of jasper stone"(Gemarmerde van Jasper), "Antwerp" (Anavers), the name of a collector or grower (Perregoen Machieu), "white and red messenger" (w...
c. 1645
Point of brush and transparent and opaque watercolors with traces of graphite and gum glazing on antique laid paper
31.1 x 20.6cm
2020.131
Image and text: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 2023

Where you'll find this

The Cleveland Museum of Art
Permanent collection