Artwork
Butterflies and other insects
Butterflies and other insects is an oil painting by Jan van Kessel the Elder. It dates from 1661 and is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1661, Butterflies and other insects is a small-scale painting executed on copper by Jan van Kessel the Elder. The work presents a meticulous arrangement of various butterflies and insects, rendered with a clarity that reflects the artist’s scientific curiosity and his skill in rendering natural detail.
Subject & Meaning
The composition showcases a diverse assemblage of lepidopterans and other arthropods, each depicted with anatomical precision. By isolating the creatures against a neutral background, van Kessel invites close observation, emphasizing the beauty and complexity of the natural world without overt allegorical narrative.
Technique & Style
Van Kessel employed the fine grain of copper to achieve crisp lines and luminous colour, allowing delicate wing patterns to emerge with remarkable sharpness. The painter’s approach continues the Flemish tradition of naturalistic still lifes, employing a restrained palette and careful lighting to highlight texture and form.
Context
Working in mid‑17th‑century Antwerp, van Kessel belonged to a lineage of artists who combined artistic skill with scientific interest. His practice echoes the earlier work of Jan Brueghel the Elder and the floral‑insect specialist Daniel Seghers, situating the painting within a broader Flemish fascination with cataloguing nature.
History & Provenance
The painting remains documented as part of van Kessel’s output for the Antwerp market, where such detailed insect studies were sought after by collectors interested in natural history. Its survival on copper has preserved the original vibrancy, offering insight into the artist’s workshop practices.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jan van Kessel the Elder or Jan van Kessel (I) (baptized 5 April 1626, Antwerp – 17 April 1679, Antwerp) was a Flemish painter active in Antwerp in the mid-17th century.
