While the residents of Anna Paulowna were still busy attaching fresh flowers to their stunning flower installations outside, I was attending the sponsor evening of the 70th Bloemendagen. The evening featured a fascinating presentation by Henk Looijensteijn on the historical tale of Tulip Mania, followed by the opening of my exhibition: 54 tulips from the time of the Tulip Mania.
It was a pleasure to hear Henk speak—he truly brings the 16th century to life with his eye for historical detail. I’m proud that my tulips are part of the Bloemendagen in Anna Paulowna—a place so deeply rooted in the history of bulb cultivation.
My 54 paintings reflect the time periods when the tulip first arrived in the Netherlands, sparked a frenzy, was immortalized in lavish tulip books, and eventually became a symbol of Dutch heritage. And now, just like then, the tulips are blooming once again—this time in vibrant color across the fields surrounding Anna Paulowna.
The sun was shining this quiet Saturday. All signs pointed to a beautiful 70th edition of the Bloemendagen.
Ninetynine Tulips 