This purple tulip, of the "Copland's Favorite" variety, was shot by Dutch photographer Leendert Blok in the 1920s. Color photography was rare in those days, but Blok used the Autochrome Lumiere technique to provide vivid images for flower producers and their catalogs. His flower photos are featured in a new book, "Leendert Blok: Silent Beauties."
Leendert Blok/Nationaal Archief
Daffodils are photographed against a plain dark background to help them stand out.
Leendert Blok/Nationaal Archief
A tulip species known as "Black Parrot." Blok was born in the Netherlands, which is world-renowned for its flower industry.
Leendert Blok/Nationaal Archief
A tulip species called "Bleu celeste." The Autochrome technique was a predecessor to color film. It involved making composite images from three-color separations on glass plates.
Leendert Blok/Nationaal Archief
A tulip named "Absalon."
Leendert Blok/Nationaal Archief
Not all of Blok's flower photos were in color.
Leendert Blok/Nationaal Archief
The Autochrome technique gave images a soft, impressionistic feel.
Leendert Blok/Nationaal Archief
Some of Blok's photos feel similar to botanical slides.
