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Artwork

Plate 50: Grasshoppers, a Caterpillar, and a Scale Insect with a Four O'Clock Flower

Joris Hoefnagel , 1594

Plate 50: Grasshoppers, a Caterpillar, and a Scale Insect with a Four O'Clock Flower, by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594
Plate 50: Grasshoppers, a Caterpillar, and a Scale Insect with a Four O'Clock Flower, by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594

Plate 50: Grasshoppers, a Caterpillar, and a Scale Insect with a Four O'Clock Flower is a gouache drawing by the Renaissance artist Joris Hoefnagel. It dates from 1594 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:Upper center in black ink: IPSA DIES APERIT, CONFICIT IPSA DIES. (“The very day that it opens, it passes away.” “Ausonius”, De rosis nascentibus, 40) (trans. Bass 2019, 237); caterpillar in image numbered .2., in red ink; center right in brown ink: L. Facing page: Upper center in red ink: Dixit et venit locusta, et bruchus, cuius / non erat numerus ps: 104: (“He spoke, and the locust came, and the bruchus, of which there was no number.” Psalms 104:34) (Latin Vulgate Bible)

About this work

Overview

Plate 50: Grasshoppers, a Caterpillar, and a Scale Insect with a Four O'Clock Flower is a watercolor and gold paint drawing on parchment, created by Flemish artist Joris Hoefnagel around 1594.

Subject & Meaning

The work features meticulously rendered studies of a grasshopper, caterpillar, scale insect, and a flowering Four O'Clock plant, reflecting the era's emphasis on naturalistic observation and detailed botanical and entomological study.

Technique & Style

Hoefnagel employed fine brushes to capture intricate details, such as individual hairs and spots on the insects. The addition of gold paint creates a luminous, ornate background, characteristic of manuscript illumination techniques.

History & Provenance

This drawing is part of a commissioned manuscript of animal and plant studies, produced for a wealthy collector. It exemplifies Hoefnagel's role as one of the last prominent manuscript illuminators.

Context

Plate 50 contributes to the transitional period in northern European art, influencing the development of topographical drawing and the emergence of floral still-life painting.

Legacy

Now housed in the National Gallery of Art, Washington, the piece is part of a collection showcasing similar miniature, jewel-like studies characterized by vibrant colors and gold accents.

Plate 51: Grasshoppers and a Caterpillar with a Four O'Clock Flower
Plate 51: Grasshoppers and a Caterpillar with a Four O'Clock Flower, Joris Hoefnagel

Artist & collection

Portrait of Joris Hoefnagel

Artist

Joris Hoefnagel

Joris Hoefnagel or Georg Hoefnagel (1542 – 24 July 1601) was a Flemish painter, printmaker, miniaturist, draftsman and merchant.

MORE BY JORIS HOEFNAGEL

SAME SUBJECT

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of National Gallery of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Plate 50: Grasshoppers, a Caterpillar, and a Scale Insect with a Four O'Clock Flower?

Plate 50: Grasshoppers, a Caterpillar, and a Scale Insect with a Four O'Clock Flower was painted by Joris Hoefnagel in 1594.

Where can I see Plate 50: Grasshoppers, a Caterpillar, and a Scale Insect with a Four O'Clock Flower?

Plate 50: Grasshoppers, a Caterpillar, and a Scale Insect with a Four O'Clock Flower is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Plate 50: Grasshoppers, a Caterpillar, and a Scale Insect with a Four O'Clock Flower?

Plate 50: Grasshoppers, a Caterpillar, and a Scale Insect with a Four O'Clock Flower is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Plate 50: Grasshoppers, a Caterpillar, and a Scale Insect with a Four O'Clock Flower?

Museum-quality prints of Plate 50: Grasshoppers, a Caterpillar, and a Scale Insect with a Four O'Clock Flower are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.