Tulips were once the most expensive flowers.

I learned something new today.

In the 1600's tulips were said to cost 10 times a working man's salary in the Netherlands, making them more costly than some houses.  

Very interesting. 

I went digging a bit further to find that tulips did not originate in the Netherlands even though they are the largest producer of tulips.  

The tulip originated in Persia and Turkey and were likely transported to the Netherlands during early trade relations.  The tulip played an important role in the culture and art of Turkey and Persia, including being worn tucked into the turbans. And the name tulip derives from the Persia word for turban. 

Once back in the Netherlands, tulip frenzy hit, crashing markets in the 17th Century.  

There are over 150 species of tulips with over 3,000 different varieties. Here are a few. 

I'm finishing up my current series which focuses entirely on tulips.  If you would like to be notified when the collection is released, then leave me your contact details by clicking on the link below.  You will be added to my V.I.P. email list and your will receive sneak peaks and early bird access to new works. Click here to join the V.I.P. List. 

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Here's a sneak peak and teaser. 

| Protected Centre |, 18x14", Oil on Canvas, ©Ciel Ellis