The Golden Tulip
“Standing your ground is a key to freedom.”
After completing a diploma in botanical illustration with the Society of Botanical Artists, Françoise Verger’s ambition was to address children through botanical art. She wanted to show them that the beauty of our planet, more than ever, needs to be respected.
This is where the idea began of writing a book inspired by a botanical artist who is strong-minded, always keeping on the move and being attentive to the natural world. The Golden Tulip is an homage to Maria Sybilla Merian (1647–1717) who was an intrepid entomologist, naturalist and scientific illustrator. The story is inspired by a truly daring step she took when she was a young girl. Françoise had two things in mind when she created this interactive book:
To show that standing your ground is a key to freedom. That is why she chose to reimagine this event in her life.
To explain how to inject colours in a dark world. That is why she introduces the basic rules of botanical illustration throughout the book and in the sketchbook attached to it.
Download a PDF of the book below and practise your own botanical illustration using the sketchbook exercises!
