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ALEXANDER MARSHAL (C. 1620-82)
Unnamed tulip (Tulipa gesneriana L.) with common milkwort (Polygala vulgaris L.) and white buttercup, double cultivar (Ranunculus aconitifolius L. 'Pleniflorus')
c.1650 – 82RCIN 924303
The tulip was the most highly prized plant introduction to Europe. Bulbs fetched extremely inflated prices, particularly during the period of financial speculation which seized the Dutch Republic in 1637 (tulipomania), resulting in the financial ruin
of many investors. The unnamed tulip depicted on this sheet is a highly sought after ‘flamed’ example with intricate striped patterns. Marshal captures the devastating allure retained by this flamboyant flower.
