Three butterflies 

Herman Henstenburgh created this watercolor painting of three butterflies in the Netherlands, sometime between 1680 and 1726. The detailed rendering of these insects reflects a growing scientific interest in the natural world, which was flourishing in the Dutch Republic at this time. The Dutch Golden Age witnessed a surge in overseas trade and exploration, which brought new plants, animals, and insects back to Europe. With this came a desire to classify and study these specimens. In addition, wealthy merchants began assembling 'cabinets of curiosities', showcasing collections of natural wonders and exotic treasures. Paintings of flora and fauna were popular additions to these collections and this institutional context helped support artists such as Henstenburgh. To fully understand this painting, it would be helpful to research Dutch scientific and collecting practices of the period, looking at how the rise of empirical observation influenced artistic representation. By considering these historical factors, we can appreciate the rich cultural significance of what might, at first glance, appear as a simple nature study.