Insects was painted by Jan van Kessel the Elder in 1662.

Where can I see Insects?

Insects is held by Fitzwilliam Museum.

What movement is Insects?

Insects is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Artwork

Insects

Jan van Kessel the Elder , 1662

Insects is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Jan van Kessel the Elder. It dates from 1662 and is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum.

About this work

Overview

Insects, a copper painting from circa 1662, exemplifies Jan van Kessel the Elder's diverse artistic output during the Northern Renaissance.

Subject & Meaning

This work showcases the artist's fascination with natural history, specifically entomology, through meticulous renderings of insects.

Technique & Style

The use of copper as a painting support allowed for the achievement of high detail, a characteristic amplified by van Kessel's refined technique, blending the precision of scientific study with artistic flair.

History & Provenance

Created in Antwerp in the mid-17th century, the painting reflects van Kessel's lineage and influences, notably from his grandfather Jan Brueghel the Elder and Flemish predecessors like Daniel Seghers.

Context

Part of a broader trend in 17th-century Flemish art, *Insects* combines scientific curiosity with artistic tradition, echoing the era's growing interest in detailed naturalistic representations.

Legacy

While specific long-term impacts of *Insects* are not widely documented, it contributes to the broader appreciation of van Kessel's versatility and the Northern Renaissance's engagement with natural subjects.

Artist & collection

Artist

Jan van Kessel the Elder

Jan van Kessel the Elder or Jan van Kessel (I) (baptized 5 April 1626, Antwerp – 17 April 1679, Antwerp) was a Flemish painter active in Antwerp in the mid-17th century.