Who painted Plate 45: Two Long-Headed Grasshoppers(?)?

Plate 45: Two Long-Headed Grasshoppers(?) was painted by Joris Hoefnagel in 1594.

Where can I see Plate 45: Two Long-Headed Grasshoppers(?)?

Plate 45: Two Long-Headed Grasshoppers(?) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Plate 45: Two Long-Headed Grasshoppers(?)?

Plate 45: Two Long-Headed Grasshoppers(?) is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Plate 45: Two Long-Headed Grasshoppers(?)

Joris Hoefnagel , 1594

Plate 45: Two Long-Headed Grasshoppers(?) is a gouache drawing by the Renaissance artist Joris Hoefnagel. It dates from 1594 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created circa 1594, this small watercolor on parchment depicts two elongated grasshoppers rendered in muted tones with touches of gold.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1594, this small watercolor on parchment depicts two elongated grasshoppers rendered in muted tones with touches of gold. The work is attributed to Joris Hoefnagel, a Flemish artist noted for his meticulous natural history studies and manuscript illumination. The composition places the insects against a plain, off‑white background, emphasizing their form and coloration.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing presents a close observation of two long‑headed grasshoppers, highlighting anatomical details such as segmented legs, veined wings, and the distinctive elongated head. By isolating the insects from any surrounding flora, Hoefnagel invites a focused, almost portrait‑like examination of these creatures, reflecting a scholarly interest in the natural world.

Technique & Style

Executed with watercolor pigments and fine gold leaf, the piece combines delicate washes with metallic highlights that catch ambient light. Hoefnagel’s hand‑drawn lines convey texture and structure, while the subtle use of gold adds depth and a sense of vitality to the otherwise subdued palette.

History & Provenance

The work belongs to a series of natural history plates produced by Hoefnagel toward the end of the sixteenth century, a period when he was active in the Low Countries. It likely originated as part of a private manuscript or collector’s folio, a common format for scientific illustration at the time.

Context

Hoefnagel’s practice bridged the realms of scientific observation and artistic decoration, contributing to the emergence of topographical drawing and floral still‑life in northern Europe. His meticulous renderings of insects predate later taxonomic illustration, positioning him among early contributors to visual natural history.