Join art historian Mary Woodward in an exploration of Tulipmania and Dutch Flower Painting.
Let’s take a look at the events of the 1630s when speculators drove up the prices of tulip bulbs to dizzying heights. The development of Dutch flower painting and the phenomenon known as “tulipmania” share the same root causes in 17th century Netherlands; that is, an interest in objects of great appeal and rarity, whether just for their beauty or their scientific notoriety. But what was really happening and has it been overblown in history? We will discover where the practice of flower painting began for the Dutch, in response to the value of live flowers.
Mary C. Woodward has spent more than 40 years in the museum and historic home business, having earned her B.A. and M.A. degrees in art history. She has worked at large, comprehensive collections such as the Cleveland Museum of Art and tiny properties like the 17th century log cabin that was the birthplace of President James K. Polk. Each opportunity has been an interesting and memorable experience.
Since moving to Massachusetts in 2010, Mary has worked at The Old Manse in Concord, MA, the Concord Museum and now Historic New England, previously as Lead Guide at the Gropius House in Lincoln and currently as Lead Guide at the Winslow Crocker House in Yarmouth Port. For six years, she established and managed the Gallery at the Chelmsford Center for the Arts, an exhibition space for local artists. In the last few years, she’s enjoyed taking art history talks on the road to various libraries and retirement communities. When she’s not at work, she’s in her yard, pretending to garden.
Armchair Travels is generously funded with a gift from the Rutherford Family Trust.
The program will not be recorded.
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