Plate 63: Seven Snails
1594
gouache
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1594
gouache
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This drawing shows seven snails in a circle, each with its own color and size. Some are dark brown, others pale yellow or gray, and one has a shiny shell. Their antennae and tiny bodies are carefully detailed, almost like they’re crawling on a flat surface. The snails are framed by a thin gold line, giving the whole image a neat, almost framed look. The background is plain, so the focus stays on the snails themselves. Next, check out watercolor, glazing to see how artists build up colors like this.
