Admirael Coornhardt

Tulip varieties that were considered very beautiful were sometimes given the name ‘Generael’ or ‘Admirael’. It is sometimes thought that these tulips were named after famous admirals or generals. However, the names always refer to the grower.

In this case Volckert Dircksz Coornhert (also called Coornhart or Coornhardt) (1583-1636), was an Amsterdam merchant and breeder with several varieties to his name. In 1636 many other breeders also died. Probably because of the plague. Many bulb stalls came onto the market as a result.