During the Tulipmania, a tulip with an unusual name made its debut: “Berte Bruijne Purper Catlijn”.
With its light background intersected by dark purple stripes, this tulip was a visual spectacle.
But it’s her name, specifically the part “Catlijn,” that adds an interesting layer to her story.
‘Catlijn’ is a Dutch alteration of the name Catharina, a name often associated with Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian saint and virgin who died a martyr’s death. According to tradition, Catherine was a princess of Alexandria in Egypt.
She was known for her extraordinary intelligence and wisdom. When she refused to worship the Roman gods, she was tortured on a wheel (later known as the Catherine wheel). She was ultimately beheaded. Saint Catherine is often depicted with a wheel and a sword and is the patron saint of several professions and groups. Her feast day is on November 25th.
The NFT tulips based on the “Berte Bruijne Purper Catlijn” are depicted in 99 different art styles with the theme of ‘Saint Catherine’. This allows us to continue appreciating the enduring beauty of the tulip and the power of her name, even centuries after her original bloom. The portrait of the “Berte Bruijne Purper Catlijn” serves as inspiration for the tulip NFTs.
Ninetynine Tulips 