Study of Butterfly and Insects c. 1655

Jan van Kessel painted this small oil on copper panel, a *Study of Butterfly and Insects*, in the 17th century. The smooth, reflective surface of the copper allows for astonishing detail. Look closely, and you’ll see he captures the iridescent wings of the insects, and the translucent quality of the berries. But why copper? Well, like painting on vellum, it allowed for precise work. More importantly, the copper support suggests a value beyond the image itself. It elevates the work to something more precious than a mere painting. We might even call it an early example of commodity fetishism, where the inherent worth of materials meets artistic labor. Kessel was part of a dynasty of artists, and like many successful workshops of the era, his studio would have been highly efficient. Apprentices would have ground pigments, prepared supports, and painted less critical areas, allowing the master to focus on the final, defining details. So, when you look at this painting, don’t just admire the skill. Think also about the system of production that made it possible. It reminds us that art is always a product of both individual genius and the social conditions of its making.