Studieblad met rups, Amphidasis Betularia 1824 - 1900

This 19th-century watercolor by Albertus Steenbergen depicts a caterpillar of the species Amphidasis Betularia. The detailed rendering of the caterpillar on a twig and leaf is a testament to the artist's keen eye for natural detail. The piece is a fine example of botanical illustration, a genre that blossomed during the Enlightenment and Victorian eras, aiming to capture the intricacies of the natural world with scientific accuracy. The artist's meticulous approach and use of delicate washes are evident in the realistic representation of the insect's body and the surrounding foliage.