Giant bulb | Jan Six - Hillegom

This giant tulip bulb was painted by artist Nicoline Heemskerk, born and raised in the Bulb Region. Her studio can be found in her hometown of Warmond. Her work can be recognised by its colourful and figurative style.

This globe depicts Jan Six I (1618-1700) with his wife Margaretha Tulp. His father, Jean Six, was a tycoon in the silk and cloth industry. His mother bought the Elsbroek country estate in Hillegom in 1642. This marked the beginning of the Six family in Hillegom. For centuries, this noble family continued to live in the place. The Hof van Hillegom, now part of the town hall, was also owned by a Six descendant.

On the globe, you can see how the Six family's sheets blend into Hillegom's bulbous landscape. You can also see a signature of one Jan Six. On 10 September 2020, the sphere was signed by Jan Six X, the 10th descendant of the Jan Six pictured and the 9th lord of Hillegom.