Study of a Moth Pupae c. 18th century

Curator: This is Vincent Laurensz van der Vinne’s "Study of a Moth Pupae," a small watercolor drawing. The size is striking; it’s only about six centimeters square. Editor: It's so earthy, almost leathery in texture. I'm immediately drawn to the careful rendering of the pupa's segmented body. Curator: The pupa, a chrysalis, it’s such a potent symbol of transformation. Van der Vinne, living in the 17th century, would have been steeped in this imagery. Editor: And how remarkable to isolate this single stage. The artist’s labor is visible in his depiction of the pupa's surface. The brushstrokes mimic the delicate details. Curator: The moth holds an important place in the imagination, often associated with the soul, the subconscious. Editor: I wonder if he was sourcing his pigments locally, or engaging in larger trade networks for his materials? Curator: The more I consider, the moth’s symbolism as transformation is quite perfect, it offers so much to contemplate. Editor: It's a work that marries art and natural history in a surprisingly humble package.