Narcissen en andere bloemen 1630 - 1718

This print of narcissi and other flowers was made in Amsterdam by an anonymous artist. The inscription tells us the plants were grown by Cornelis Danckerts. What's fascinating here is the intersection of burgeoning scientific interest and the explosion of the Dutch flower market. Seventeenth-century Holland saw an obsession with collecting and cataloging the natural world, fueled by global trade and exploration. Botanical prints like this one served not just as illustrations, but as records of the latest horticultural novelties. The detail in rendering each bloom speaks to a culture of close observation and a desire to master nature through knowledge. Yet, the arrangement also hints at the intense social and economic pressures around horticulture. The tulip mania was in full swing, and flowers became potent symbols of wealth, status and national pride. Ultimately, understanding this print requires delving into the archives of Dutch trade, scientific societies, and even the financial records of the period. The image is so much more than decoration.