Plate 75: A Fly and Other Insects with an Iris c. 1575 - 1580

Joris Hoefnagel made Plate 75: A Fly and Other Insects with an Iris, using watercolor and gouache on paper. This isn't painting at its most heroic; we’re not talking about immense canvases or dramatic brushwork here. Instead, the artist's hand coaxes exquisite detail from humble materials, layering thin washes of color to create a convincing illusion of depth and texture. Look closely, and you'll see the stippled surfaces of the insects' bodies, the delicate veining of the iris petals, and the subtle gradations of light and shadow. This level of precision demands patience, skill, and a deep understanding of the natural world. It’s work that invites us to slow down, to appreciate the beauty of small things, and to recognize the value of quiet, meticulous labor. It also subtly reminds us that virtuosity isn't always about grand gestures; sometimes, it's about finding magic in the mundane.