Artwork
Plate 63: A Dragonfly, a Spotted Longhorn, a Sexton Beetle, and Other Insects with a Blue and White Columbine
Plate 63: A Dragonfly, a Spotted Longhorn, a Sexton Beetle, and Other Insects with a Blue and White Columbine 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.
About this work
Overview
This small watercolor on parchment depicts various insects and a columbine flower, created around 1594 by Joris Hoefnagel, a Flemish artist known for natural history illustrations.
Technique & Style
The work showcases Hoefnagel's meticulous observation and artistic skill, featuring actual dragonfly wings glued onto the parchment alongside watercolor and gold paint details.
Subject & Meaning
The painting combines scientific representation of insects and a flowering plant, reflecting Hoefnagel's contribution to the development of naturalistic drawing and early still-life painting in northern Europe.
History & Provenance
Created in the late 16th century, this piece exemplifies Hoefnagel's role in transitioning from manuscript illumination to independent still-life painting.
Artist & collection
Artist
Joris Hoefnagel or Georg Hoefnagel (1542 – 24 July 1601) was a Flemish painter, printmaker, miniaturist, draftsman and merchant.
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