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Artwork

Archetypes and Studies: Death is the line that marks the end of all (Part II, plate 5)

Joris Hoefnagel , 1592

Archetypes and Studies: Death is the line that marks the end of all (Part II, plate 5), by Joris Hoefnagel, 1592
Archetypes and Studies: Death is the line that marks the end of all (Part II, plate 5), by Joris Hoefnagel, 1592

Archetypes and Studies: Death is the line that marks the end of all (Part II, plate 5) is a print by the Renaissance artist Joris Hoefnagel. It dates from 1592 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
2006.121
Credit line
Anne Elizabeth Wilson Memorial Fund

About this work

Overview

Archetypes and Studies: Death is the line that marks the end of all (Part II, plate 5) is a 1592 print by Joris Hoefnagel, held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts a complex arrangement of plants and insects, including a moth, frog, caterpillar, snail, and beetle. The Latin title 'Mors ultima linea rerum' or 'Death is the line that marks the end of all' suggests the artist is illustrating the transience of life, exemplified by the metamorphosis from caterpillar to moth.

Technique & Style

Rendered in black and white, the drawing showcases precise lines, evoking the style of scientific illustration. The level of detail is high, with various organisms and a pear depicted in a tangled, organic composition.

Archetypa studiaque patris Georgii Hoefnagelii [Part 2, Plate 5]
Archetypa studiaque patris Georgii Hoefnagelii [Part 2, Plate 5], Jacob Hoefnagel

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.

MORE BY JORIS HOEFNAGEL

SAME SUBJECT

Similarity 92 percent
This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Archetypes and Studies: Death is the line that marks the end of all (Part II, plate 5)?

Archetypes and Studies: Death is the line that marks the end of all (Part II, plate 5) was painted by Joris Hoefnagel in 1592.

Where can I see Archetypes and Studies: Death is the line that marks the end of all (Part II, plate 5)?

Archetypes and Studies: Death is the line that marks the end of all (Part II, plate 5) is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Archetypes and Studies: Death is the line that marks the end of all (Part II, plate 5)?

Archetypes and Studies: Death is the line that marks the end of all (Part II, plate 5) is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Archetypes and Studies: Death is the line that marks the end of all (Part II, plate 5)?

Museum-quality prints of Archetypes and Studies: Death is the line that marks the end of all (Part II, plate 5) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.