1594
gouache
vellum
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Plate 66: Lackey Moth Caterpillar, Figure of Eight Caterpillar, Grey Dagger Caterpillar, and Other Caterpillars is a 1594 gouache by Joris Hoefnagel, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This image shows six caterpillars arranged in a circle on a light background. Their colors vary—some are fuzzy and brown, others striped in yellow and black, and one has a dotted pattern. Tiny hairs stick out from their bodies, making them look textured. The whole scene is framed by a thin gold line. The artist used watercolor and gold paint on parchment, which gives the image a delicate, almost glowing look. Each caterpillar is drawn with careful detail, showing their unique shapes and colors. Next, look up Hoefnagel, Joris to see more of his precise, nature-focused artwork.
Joris Hoefnagel or Georg Hoefnagel (1542 – 24 July 1601) was a Flemish painter, printmaker, miniaturist, draftsman and merchant.
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