A Red and White Striped Tulip (Admiral Victor) - Jacob Marrel

A precise seventeenth-century botanical study of the Admiral Victor tulip, rendered in watercolour and gouache on vellum by Jacob Marrel.

This botanical study by Jacob Marrel captures the Admiral Victor tulip, a variety highly sought after during the Dutch Tulip Mania of the seventeenth century. Marrel, a German painter who spent significant time in the Netherlands, produced numerous studies of flowers, often documenting the specific cultivars that drove the speculative market of the period. The work is executed on vellum, a medium favoured for its smooth surface, which allows for the precise application of watercolour and gouache. The composition is spare, focusing entirely on the specimen against a neutral background. The tulip displays the characteristic flamed or broken colouration caused by a virus, which was not understood at the time but was prized by collectors for its aesthetic rarity. Marrel uses fine, controlled brushwork to delineate the delicate veins of the petals and the subtle curvature of the stem. The inscription at the bottom, identifying the flower as 'Admir: Victor' alongside a numerical value, reflects the commercial nature of these botanical records. Such drawings functioned as catalogues for merchants and enthusiasts, providing a permanent visual reference for bulbs that might only bloom for a short period each year. Marrel’s approach is objective and analytical. He prioritises the accurate rendering of form and colour over decorative embellishment. The soft, muted tones of the foliage contrast with the sharp, saturated red stripes of the flower, creating a clear visual hierarchy. This piece offers a glimpse into the intersection of natural history, art, and the economic climate of the Dutch Golden Age, where the study of flora became a pursuit of both scientific curiosity and financial investment.