Who painted Plate 69: Nine Bees and Other Insects?

Plate 69: Nine Bees and Other Insects was painted by Joris Hoefnagel in 1594.

Where can I see Plate 69: Nine Bees and Other Insects?

Plate 69: Nine Bees and Other Insects is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Plate 69: Nine Bees and Other Insects?

Plate 69: Nine Bees and Other Insects is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Plate 69: Nine Bees and Other Insects?

Museum-quality prints of Plate 69: Nine Bees and Other Insects are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Plate 69: Nine Bees and Other Insects

Joris Hoefnagel , 1594

Plate 69: Nine Bees and Other Insects 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 blue/violet ink: Ingentes animos angusto in pectore versant. (“[They] harbor great spirits in tiny breasts.” Virgil, _Georgics_, 4.83, 4.184) (trans. Bass 2019, 3) / VBI MEL IBI FEL. (“There is no honey without bile.”) (trans. Bass 2019, 4); insects in image numbered .1., in red ink; center right in (gold?): LXIX.; lower center in red/orange ink: VBI VBER IBI TVBER. (“There is no rose without thorns.”) (trans. Bass 2019, 4); lower center in black ink: Omnibus una quies operum labor omnibus unus. (“They all have one job, and one respite from labor.” Virgil, _Georgics_, 4.83, 4.184) (trans. Bass 2019, 4) Facing page: Upper center in red ink: Non laudes virum in specie sua: Neq[ue] spernas hominem in / visu suo. Brevis in volatilibus est Apis: et initium / dulcoris habet fructus eius. Eccl: 11: (“Praise not a man for his beauty, neither despise a man for his look. The bee is small among flying things, but her fruit has the chiefest sweetness.” Ecclesiasticus 11:2-3) (Latin Vulgate Bible); center in black ink: Dum puer alveolo furatur mella Cupido, / Furanti digitum cuspide fixit APIS. / Sic etiam nobis brevis et peritura voluptas, / Quam petimus tristi mixta dolore nocet.; lower center in red ink: In apes ne fervas, ne malum feras.; lower center in blue/black ink: Illis ira modum supra est [lesaeque?] venenum / Morsibus inspirant, et spicula caeca relinquunt / Affixa venis, animasq[ue] in vulnere ponunt.

About this work

Overview

Plate 69: Nine Bees and Other Insects is a watercolor and gold paint drawing on parchment created by Joris Hoefnagel around 1594. It is a characteristic example of the artist's detailed natural history illustrations.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts nine insects, including various types of bees and flies, arranged in a circular pattern. The insects are rendered in intricate detail, with some facing towards the center and others outwards, against a light beige background.

Technique & Style

Hoefnagel's use of watercolor and gold paint on parchment showcases his skill in manuscript illumination techniques, while the naturalistic depiction of insects reflects his nearly scientific approach to representing flora and fauna.

Context

Created during the late 16th century, this work contributed to the transition from manuscript illumination to independent still-life painting in northern Europe, influencing the development of naturalistic and floral genres.