The Tulip

In the 17th century, tulips became wildly popular in the Netherlands. In the 1630s, this fascination even led to a speculative frenzy surrounding the exclusive flower, during which some tulip bulbs were at times worth more than a canal house in Amsterdam. The bubble burst abruptly in 1637, but the love of the tulip endured. At the same time, this frenzy also came as a boon to floral artists, for if people could not afford the actual tulips for their gardens or pots, the next best thing was to have a painting of them, and even better still would be to have a book full of beautiful depictions of different tulips. Judith Leyster realized that the public’s love of tulips could be advantageous for her, and she produced her own book of tulips, one of the finest surviving ones from the 17th century. Today, we present the Early Brabantsson (folio 29). It is one of Leyster's last known works; after she had five children, the role of mother and housekeeper meant that her art output declined.

P.S. Learn more about the brililance of Judith Leyster—the star of the Dutch Golden Age!