Plate 63: A Dragonfly, a Spotted Longhorn, a Sexton Beetle, and Other Insects with a Blue and White Columbine c. 1575 - 1580

Joris Hoefnagel's "Plate 63: A Dragonfly, a Spotted Longhorn, a Sexton Beetle, and Other Insects with a Blue and White Columbine" (c. 1575-1580) is a meticulous watercolor on vellum that exemplifies the meticulous detail and scientific accuracy of 16th-century natural history illustrations. The composition features a central columbine flower with a dragonfly perched on a leaf, while a variety of insects, including a spotted longhorn, a sexton beetle, and a hoverfly, are arranged around the edge of the page. Hoefnagel's keen eye for detail is evident in the intricate markings of the insects and the delicate textures of the flower. This plate, part of a larger collection of illustrations, is a testament to the artistic and scientific achievements of the Renaissance.