In the late 17th century, we craved status as much as we desire it today. 

During the Dutch's "Tulip Mania," the preferred status symbol revolved around a diseased tulip bulb which produced a rare fleckered and flared petal. 

The tulip, being a recent import to the Netherlands at the time, had a high demand, and as such a higher resale value. Therefore cutting the bloom for display was the extreme of extravagance, even the richest would often be unwilling to risk such an investment. 

And so a commission of a still life painting, with the most expensive of tulips blooming within the depicted bouquet, became a secondary market in of itself. 

In the early 21st century, we still crave status, as much as we desired it before.