Plate 47: A Dragonfly (Banded Darter?), Grasshopper, Houseflies, a Carrion Beetle, a Flower Longhorn Beetle, and Other Insects c. 1575 - 1580

This detailed illustration, "Plate 47: A Dragonfly (Banded Darter?), Grasshopper, Houseflies, a Carrion Beetle, a Flower Longhorn Beetle, and Other Insects," is a captivating example of Joris Hoefnagel's meticulous nature studies from the late 16th century. The artwork, executed in watercolor on parchment, showcases the artist's mastery of capturing the intricate details of various insects with remarkable accuracy and realism. Hoefnagel's precise rendering of the textures and colors of each insect within a delicate oval frame contributes to the overall sense of scientific observation and aesthetic beauty characteristic of his work.