Artwork

Muscarum Scarabeorum, vermiumque Variae Figure & Formae: A Moth, Three Butterflies and Two Beetles

Muscarum Scarabeorum, vermiumque Variae Figure & Formae: A Moth, Three Butterflies and Two Beetles, by Wenceslaus Hollar, 1646
Muscarum Scarabeorum, vermiumque Variae Figure & Formae: A Moth, Three Butterflies and Two Beetles, by Wenceslaus Hollar, 1646

Muscarum Scarabeorum, vermiumque Variae Figure & Formae: A Moth, Three Butterflies and Two Beetles is a print by the Baroque artist Wenceslaus Hollar. It dates from 1646 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

This painting is called Muscarum Scarabeorum, vermiumque Variae Figure & Formae: A Moth, Three Butterflies and Two Beetles.
It was made by Wenceslaus Hollar in 1646.
The artist was part of the Baroque movement, which was known for detailed and realistic artwork, often with strong contrasts of light and dark.
You can learn more about this style at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Overview

Muscarum Scarabeorum, vermiumque Variae Figure & Formae: A Moth, Three Butterflies and Two Beetles is a 1646 print by Wenceslaus Hollar, a Czech-born engraver and etcher.

Technique & Style

The work exemplifies Hollar's meticulous style, characterized by precise linework, and is associated with the Baroque movement, known for detailed and realistic representations.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a group of insects, including a moth, three butterflies, and two beetles, rendered with attention to detail.

History & Provenance

Hollar created the print during his time in England, where he worked alongside other artists and developed his skill in engraving and etching. The work is now part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Wenceslaus Hollar

Artist

Wenceslaus Hollar

Wenceslaus Hollar (Czech: Václav Hollar (Czech pronunciation: ), German: Wenzel Hollar; 23 July 1607 – 25 March 1677) was a Czech engraver, etcher and painter.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.