Heat
by Connie Handscomb
Title
Heat
Artist
Connie Handscomb
Medium
Photograph - Photography - Fine Art
Description
Colour possesses me. I don't have to pursue it. It will possess me always, I know it. ... Color and I are one.
~ Paul Klee
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I have a particular fondness for the 'fancies' . Variegated tulips mean 'beautiful eyes'.
More here:
Tulip
Genus : Tulipa spp.
Family : Liliaceae
The tulip grew wild abundantly in the central Asia mountains, in China & Mongolia, in North Africa, and later throughout Europe. Tulip designs have been found on pottery dating back to 2200 BC. So, while one might tend to think of Netherlands as home of the tulip, it was actually first cultivated in Turkey, grown in the palace gardens of the sultans, and is in fact the national flower of Hungary, Turkey & the "Tulip state" Kyrgyzstan. Turkey held the first tulip festivals - it represents abundance and indulgence - and Istanbul still hosts them. Its name is derived from the Turkish word for 'turban' (tulband) because of its shape. As a cultural symbol of the Ottoman Empire, it appeared on textiles, ceramics, woodcarvings and many other art forms.
The Flemish ambassador wrote of it, and it is believed a botanical professor, Charles de L'Ecluse, brought the tulip to Holland in 1593, having purchased it in Istanbul. The professor admired the work of the Flemish painter Paul Rubens, and after the tulip was propagated at Leiden University, it was shipped to him. Painters loved to paint the tulip. The Golden Age of Dutch painting was abundant with still life compositions of the tulip. Special tulip books were published, as were catalogues for wealthy collectors.
In 1630, one single bulb was exchanged for:
2 wheat loads, 4 rye loads, 4 fat oxen, 8 fat pigs, 12 fat sheep, 2 bogsheads of wine, 4 barrels of beer, 2 barrels of butter, 1,000 lbs. of cheese, a bed, a suit of clothes, and a silver beaker.
By the 17th c., 'Tulipmania' was in full swing: a single bulb was worth the equivalent price today of a house and a garden. The Dutch created formal geometrically shaped gardens and fountains in the Italian fashion, and the plants became "botanized" (grown for decorative qualities) whereas previously they had been kept by physicians and cooks. Initially the blooms were simple, with limited range of colours; then doubles began appearing, and the 'broken' tulips - much prized - those with intricately flamed, striped or feathered petals. No one knew then that their beauty was caused by a virus brought on by aphids, and even though the plant was inevitably weakened by it, the blooms became the most popular. It became known as the world's florists' flower, and the more brilliant and lively it was, the more it was loved.
Today, 15 groups with approximately 2,600 varieties of tulips exist, with Holland exporting 60% of the world's tulips. The species bulbs are, of course, more vigorous than the weaker hybrids which tend not to lose vigour after a year or two but whichever is used, it is now the 'people's flower' , cherished by all.
Sources:
Fifty Plants that changed the Course of History (Bill Laws)
Four Chefs, One Garden : Seasons Of West Coast Living [Roy]
Painterly Plants [Clare Foster; Photog.Ruber]
The Romantic Language Of Flowers [Davies; Saunders]
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Taken in natural light ; Uncropped, : Nature in all its natural splendour.
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♥ Heartfelt Gratitude to FAA groups for featuring this image :
The World We See
Amazing Colors Of Nature
Flower Mania
10 Plus
Tulip Macros
Roses And Tulips
Uploaded
April 21st, 2015
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Viewed 718 Times - Last Visitor from Fairfield, CT on 04/18/2024 at 8:33 PM
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Comments (44)
RussianArtists NewWave
So gorgeous tulip and green tint of bokeh just makes it more delicious! ~~Jenny
Connie Handscomb replied:
This was a whopper of a tulip, Jenny! I love the parrot tulips for their wonderful frills .. & girth : they're quite nice; thank you so much! :))
Kathy Bucari
A flaming beauty, Connie! Gorgeous! F/L
Connie Handscomb replied:
Finally .. one reply that I'm not weeks {months} late on! ; thank you, Kathy! :))
Mishel Vanderten
Magnificent Shot Connie!
Connie Handscomb replied:
Mishel, my sincerest thanks to you! :)) {very late .. as you can see ; my apologies .. unfortunately , that happens with me .. }
AnnaJo Vahle
Has a kind of wild sexy movement, Connie. Great title adds to the feeling. f/l
Connie Handscomb replied:
Like a touch of Flamenco, maybe? .. ; so glad you appreciate the Heat of this bloom, AnnaJo .. thank you so much! :))
Patricia Griffin Brett
Perfect title for a perfect photo with another unique angle! Love this :) Voted!
Connie Handscomb
A bright new day, Stefano, & bright new Thanks to you! for featuring this image in 10 Plus :))
Connie Handscomb
Good Morning, Martin! thank you so very much for featuring this image in Flower Mania :))
Mary Machare
Fabulous composition and lighting! Love the swirls of color. LF
Connie Handscomb replied:
Thank you, Mary; it was a very Bright Light kind of day .. glad you like this .. :))
DJ MacIsaac
Lovely tulip Connie. Great POV love the colour... your title is appropriate. Very nice photography f/l :)))
Aurelio Zucco
Stunning image...the detail and light are excellent! L/F
Connie Handscomb replied:
Sorry for my lateness, Aurelio .. {some things just never change!}; thank you so much for your kindness .. & patience, too :))