Tulip varieties that were considered very beautiful were sometimes given the names ‘Generael’ or ‘Admirael’. It is sometimes thought that these tulips were named after famous admirals or generals, but the names always refer to the grower.
In this case, Volckert Dircksz Coornhert (also spelled Coornhart or Coornhardt) (1583-1636), was an Amsterdam merchant and grower with several varieties to his name. In 1636, many other growers also died, presumably as a result of the plague. This resulted in many bulb stalls appearing on the market.
Van Baaren, M.C. (2022). Admirael Coornhardt, (25×35 cm). Museum de Zwarte Tulp, Lisse.
Text: Henk Looijesteijn, Researcher Social History bij IISG Amsterdam
Ninetynine Tulips 