Tulipa gesneriana (have-tulipan) 1635 - 1664

This is Hans Simon Holtzbecker’s botanical study of the Tulipa gesneriana. It is undated and rendered on paper. The composition strikes a formal balance through its study of botanical form, with the tulips presented in a symmetrical arrangement. Holtzbecker’s attention to the plant’s texture and the subtle gradations of color—from the deep purples to the crisp whites of the petals—reveals a commitment to scientific accuracy. The leaves, meticulously detailed with their parallel veins, add a layer of complexity to the visual experience. The drawing reflects a broader cultural interest in botany during the artist's time. The formal structure invites contemplation on the semiotic significance of flowers. The drawing thus functions not merely as a scientific record, but as a cultural artifact laden with symbolic potential, open to ongoing interpretation.