Who painted Centipede (Scolopendra morsitans)?

Centipede (Scolopendra morsitans) was painted by Mark Catesby in 1737.

Where can I see Centipede (Scolopendra morsitans)?

Centipede (Scolopendra morsitans) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Centipede (Scolopendra morsitans)?

Centipede (Scolopendra morsitans) is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Centipede (Scolopendra morsitans)

Mark Catesby , 1737

Centipede (Scolopendra morsitans) is an ink print by the Baroque artist Mark Catesby. It dates from 1737 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1737 by English naturalist Mark Catesby, this print depicts a centipede (Scolopendra morsitans) rendered in fine detail on laid paper. The image forms part of Catesby’s extensive visual documentation of North American wildlife, illustrating his commitment to scientific observation through art.

Subject & Meaning

The work focuses on a single centipede, emphasizing its segmented body and numerous legs with meticulous accuracy. By isolating the creature, Catesby highlights the anatomical features that distinguish it, providing a clear reference for scholars studying New World arthropods and underscoring the value of precise visual records in natural history.

Technique & Style

Catesby employed a combination of etching and engraving to produce the line work, then applied hand coloring to enhance the organism’s form. The use of laid paper gives the surface a subtle texture, while the restrained palette and careful shading convey a realistic, almost scientific, representation rather than decorative embellishment.

History & Provenance

The centipede plate appears in Catesby’s seminal series *Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands*, a pioneering illustrated survey of the region’s flora and fauna. Original impressions of the print have circulated among natural history collections since the 18th century, reflecting the work’s role in early transatlantic scientific exchange.