Plate 50: A Partial Mantis Shrimp with Tower Snail Shells
1594
gouache
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1594
gouache
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This painting shows a strange, detailed bug with a pink crown on its head and two big wing-like flaps. Below it are two snail shells—one golden-brown with tiny holes, the other striped red and white. The whole scene is drawn on parchment with soft watercolors and a touch of gold. The bug looks like a mantis shrimp, and the shells are called tower snails. The artist used fine lines and light colors to make everything look delicate but precise. Next, check out watercolor, glazing to see how artists build up colors like this.
