Tulips – anonymous, 19th century

BROKEN TULIPS – 19th-CENTURY BOTANICAL WATERCOLOUR

Two broken tulips, watercolour and pen on paper, anonymous, 19th century. Size: approx. 41 × 29 cm.

The flowers are rendered in deep reddish-brown, purple and creamy white tones, with the flame-like streaks and feathered colour patterns on the petals clearly emphasised. It was precisely this irregular colouration that made the so-called “broken tulips” one of the most coveted flower types from the 17th century onwards.

Only later did it become clear that this effect was caused by a viral infection, which disrupted the formation of pigment in the flower. In the 19th century, flamed tulips were still admired as decorative and botanical subjects, valued above all for their unpredictable markings and painterly colour effects.

This watercolour belongs to the tradition of botanical flower studies, though it is less strictly scientific than classical botanical plates. The artist is particularly attentive to the elegant line of the stems and leaves, and to the subtle play of transparent colour in the petals.

Price: Euro 1.250,-