withered petals
Feeling withered and shattered like these tulip petals, after three days of printing editions… but happy with achievement.
April 9, 2010 in Nature, Photography by Marja-Leena
by Marja-Leena Marja-Leena Rathje
on printworks and other passions
by Marja-Leena
What fantastic imagery. Yes, withered and shattered, but beautiful form and colour.
Lovely colours, they remind me of the sky before a thunderstorm, you know, when there are bright orange flashes of colour amidst brooding purple clouds?
It’s a fascinating process: the way that flowers draw us in from a distance with their beauty, which seems to increase the longer and closer we look.
I think that tulipomania is an event that should be as familiar as the stories of Cinderella and Snow White – perhaps it might prevent similar events occurring? (Not much hope!) Was the book you read Tulip Fever by Deborah Moggach?
Lilalia, thank you!
Julie, what a wonderful image to be reminded of! What surprised me is that though these tulips were all purple, a couple of petals appear orangey in the scan.
Olga, that doesn’t sound like the book, though interesting. I wish I could remember the name of the one I read, I think by a male author, and a story of a botanist and royal gardener… and a journey by ship to the New World and back with plants… or am I mixing stories?
The only other tulip fiction I know of, which does involve John Tradescant, the royal gardener, is Early Joys by Philippa Gregory.
beautiful colours.
Olga, I looked that up and the story sounds right, though the title and cover page image don’t ring a bell. I’ve such a terrible memory and should keep a diary of books read! I’ve read several of Gregory’s books so it probably is that one, thank you!
Taina, I think so too, thanks!
The last of the two photographs has movement and, dare I say it? sound. The fading petals seem to be singing. A dirge perhaps?
I hear music when I see these, and motion – as if they were scarves just let go by their dancers. Beautiful and captivating.
By the way, dear readers, in case you missed it – I mentioned the term tulipomania in my previous post, as well as the question about the name of the book concerning that historical event. I’m sure now that it was Earthly Joys by Philippa Gregory, a great read!
Joe and Julia, how interesting that you both hear music and see movement! Actually the petals do do a dance as they dry and fall of the flower, and again as they set themselves in position on the scanner with just a little help from my hand. I’m reminded of silk scarves too. Thank you both.
Beautiful photos, and I can see scarves in motion, too! Glad to hear that you have been productively busy – such a satisfying feeling.
Leslee, thanks! Satisfying yes, and still very busy for the next couple of weeks at least…
tulips are indigenous to Iran/Persia. Laleh. They are colonial booty, like a lot of theft of the East that has been appropriated by Europe.
Taina, yes, that’s so true, also from other parts of the world like South America (think vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes). I don’t at all condone the colonial methods, but the world is richer for all the plant life and foods.
Oh, we could write a book on the subject, eh, as others have. The opposite situation today is the threat to our food. We were stunned after watching the film Food, Inc.. I know, a bit off topic now, going from flowers to food….
What great curves in the petals.
Lilian, thank you for the comment and visit!