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En herkulesbille (dynastes hercules)

Unknown

1650

unspecified

From the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst

Mythology

Dominant colour

En herkulesbille (dynastes hercules) is a 1650 unspecified by Unknown, held at Statens Museum for Kunst.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1650
Where can I see it?: Statens Museum for Kunst

About this work

This painting shows a single beetle in sharp detail. Its shell is a mix of tan and black with tiny spots, while its legs and antennae are dark with a hint of orange. The beetle is facing left, its large horns curving upward. The artist focused on the beetle’s texture, making the shell look almost three-dimensional. The background is plain, so the beetle stands out completely. Next, look up chiaroscuro to see how light and shadow create depth in art.