Strawberry and emperor moth

The subject combines a wild strawberry plant with a female Emperor moth, highlighting the artist's interest in the natural world. The pairing may reflect the Renaissance fascination with the detailed observation of flora and fauna.

Executed in watercolour, the work showcases Le Moyne de Morgues's skill in capturing the subtleties of nature with precision and delicacy, characteristic of early botanical illustration.

Originally part of an album, this single-sided piece (with unrelated subjects on the recto and verso of the album's other leaves) was rediscovered in the early 20th century, rescuing the artist from obscurity.

Created during the Renaissance, the work aligns with the period's emphasis on scientific observation and artistic representation of nature, though the artist's Huguenot background and work across England and France add a unique cultural layer.

Le Moyne de Morgues's botanical watercolours, including this piece, have established him as a notable figure in the history of early botanical painting, with his works now recognized by institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum.