Paying tribute to the traditions of the Netherlands, the Dutch alphabet is painted into the flower synonymous with its nation-the tulip. Made famous in 17th century during “Tulip-mania,” the Semper Augustus tulip is considered the cause of the first economic bubble recorded history. Dutch explorers perpetuated the language from the Caribbean to the Americas, South Africa to Indonesia.
Some of Holland’s most recognizable treasures are illustrated here. The Old Holland brand of paints is a classic dating back to the Dutch Golden Age. The tabletop easel depicting a windmill landscape is reminiscent of Rembrandt and the Dutch Masters who painted in smaller format and in limited palette, yet with precision of light and great detail. The oversized wooden clogs evince that the Dutch are notoriously the tallest Europeans. Dutch beer, gouda cheese displayed atop the shell plate that represents Shell Oil, and the coined ING symbol all bear witness to an era when Holland held the seat of art, science, trade, and explorations.
© 2011, oil on canvas, 36" x 60" (91.5cm x 152.5cm)