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Artwork

Plate 63: A Dragonfly, a Spotted Longhorn, a Sexton Beetle, and Other Insects with a Blue and White Columbine

Joris Hoefnagel , 1594

Plate 63: A Dragonfly, a Spotted Longhorn, a Sexton Beetle, and Other Insects with a Blue and White Columbine, by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594
Plate 63: A Dragonfly, a Spotted Longhorn, a Sexton Beetle, and Other Insects with a Blue and White Columbine, by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594

Plate 63: A Dragonfly, a Spotted Longhorn, a Sexton Beetle, and Other Insects with a Blue and White Columbine 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 red ink: FLOS, CINIS.(“A flower is only ash.” Erasmus, _Adages_, 4.7.12) (trans. Bass 2019, 107); insects in image numbered .1., 2., .3., .4., .5., and .6.; center right in brown ink: LXIII. Facing page: Upper center in blue ink: Ipse cognovit figmentum nostrum: recordatus est / quomiam pulvis sumus; homo sicut foenum dies ei[us] / tanq[uam] flos agri sic efflorebit. ps:102 (“He knows our frame. He remembers we are dust; Man’s days are as grass, as the flower of the field so shall he flourish.” Psalms 102-14-15) (Latin Vulgate Bible); lower center in (gold?): Amicitiis non est utendum ut flosculis / tamdiu gratis qua[m]diu recentibus. (“Friends should not be treated like flowers, beloved only so long as they are new.”) (trans. Bass 2019, 107)

About this work

Overview

This small watercolor on parchment depicts various insects and a columbine flower, created around 1594 by Joris Hoefnagel, a Flemish artist known for natural history illustrations.

Technique & Style

The work showcases Hoefnagel's meticulous observation and artistic skill, featuring actual dragonfly wings glued onto the parchment alongside watercolor and gold paint details.

Subject & Meaning

The painting combines scientific representation of insects and a flowering plant, reflecting Hoefnagel's contribution to the development of naturalistic drawing and early still-life painting in northern Europe.

History & Provenance

Created in the late 16th century, this piece exemplifies Hoefnagel's role in transitioning from manuscript illumination to independent still-life painting.

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.

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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 63: A Dragonfly, a Spotted Longhorn, a Sexton Beetle, and Other Insects with a Blue and White Columbine?

Plate 63: A Dragonfly, a Spotted Longhorn, a Sexton Beetle, and Other Insects with a Blue and White Columbine was painted by Joris Hoefnagel in 1594.

Where can I see Plate 63: A Dragonfly, a Spotted Longhorn, a Sexton Beetle, and Other Insects with a Blue and White Columbine?

Plate 63: A Dragonfly, a Spotted Longhorn, a Sexton Beetle, and Other Insects with a Blue and White Columbine is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Plate 63: A Dragonfly, a Spotted Longhorn, a Sexton Beetle, and Other Insects with a Blue and White Columbine?

Plate 63: A Dragonfly, a Spotted Longhorn, a Sexton Beetle, and Other Insects with a Blue and White Columbine is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Plate 63: A Dragonfly, a Spotted Longhorn, a Sexton Beetle, and Other Insects with a Blue and White Columbine?

Museum-quality prints of Plate 63: A Dragonfly, a Spotted Longhorn, a Sexton Beetle, and Other Insects with a Blue and White Columbine are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.