Bearing the imposing name “Generallisimo”—misspelled by the painter, perhaps unfamiliar with Italian—the tulip took on a prominent role in the 17th century.
The tulip was known as a ‘perfect beauty’.
The name ‘Generallisimo’ comes from Italian and means ‘supreme commander’, which may reflect the popularity that the grower had desired, first among the tulips. This was a role ultimately not attained by the tulip (the Semper Augustus held that position). However, the grower may have had no reason to be dissatisfied. Initially, the tulip was traded for 95 guilders, which was already a high price at the time. However, at the peak of the Tulipmania, the price of the “Generallisimo” rose to as much as 900 guilders. About € 12,500 today.
This dramatic price increase illustrates the intensity of the mania and the extreme valuation of tulips. It also demonstrates how tulip bulbs were seen as an opportunity to get rich quick.
The tulip was characterized by its large white petals, adorned with purple-red stripes, an ideal image that was irresistible to many gardeners and enthusiasts.
In summary, the “Generallisimo,” with its drastic price increase during the Tulipmania, is characteristic of the hope for quick fortune in 17th-century Netherlands. Thus, this tulip is a symbol of this unique period in Dutch history.
The “Generalissimo” NFT tulips in different art style has the theme ‘supreme commander’. The portrait of the “Generalissimo” from the physical collection, serves as the model for the corresponding 99 NFT tulips.
Ninetynine Tulips 