Artwork
Moth and Three Butterflies
Moth and Three Butterflies is an ink print by the Baroque artist Wenceslaus Hollar. It dates from 1646 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
This drawing shows a moth and three butterflies, all sketched in black lines on light paper.
This drawing shows a moth and three butterflies, all sketched in black lines on light paper. The moth is large, with feathery antennae and spread wings. Below it, two butterflies face each other, their wings detailed with tiny patterns. The third butterfly is upside down, its wings folded neatly.
The artist signed it in 1646, and the paper has a textured look. This kind of drawing was often used to study nature closely.
Look up etching to see how artists like this made precise prints.
Overview
Moth and Three Butterflies is an etching on laid paper created by Wenceslaus Hollar in 1646. The work showcases the artist's skill in capturing naturalistic detail.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a moth and three butterflies, rendered in delicate detail. The insects are arranged in a straightforward composition, with the moth prominently displayed and the butterflies shown in various poses.
Technique & Style
Hollar employed etching techniques to achieve precise lines and textures, characteristic of his work. The use of laid paper adds a tactile quality to the print, with visible texture evident in the image.
History & Provenance
Wenceslaus Hollar, born in Prague in 1607, spent much of his career in England, where he died in 1677. The etching is dated 1646, a period during which Hollar was active in England, producing a range of works including landscapes and cityscapes.
Artist & collection
Artist
Wenceslaus Hollar (Czech: Václav Hollar (Czech pronunciation: ), German: Wenzel Hollar; 23 July 1607 – 25 March 1677) was a Czech engraver, etcher and painter.
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