One bloom was more popular than any other in the Golden Age: the tulip. Originally Turkish, this flower was so popular that numerous albums were made of its many varieties, depicted in detail in watercolour and body colour. One of the most famous albums, which featured this picture, was by Jacob Marrel. Beside each flower he gave the name of the variety. Most were flamed tulips with irregular petals – particular favourites in the seventeenth century. It was only in the early twentieth century that the cause of the broken colours was discovered to be an otherwise harmless virus.
-
Follow
Following
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
sub rosa 
I had no idea. The color variation comes from a virus. Interesting.
Me neither!
I love such pictures. Thank you Sigrun. Micheline
There is a combination of science and art in these pictures that I really like too – the art of depicting & trying to grasp the natural world
Thank you for bringing me a little pleasure. I love that combination of science and art. Best, Micheline