Plate 22: A Cinnabar Moth and Butterflies with Other Insects and a Snapdragon c. 1575 - 1580

Joris Hoefnagel's "Plate 22: A Cinnabar Moth and Butterflies with Other Insects and a Snapdragon" is a meticulously rendered watercolor on vellum from the late 16th century. The work features a diverse collection of insects, including butterflies, moths, and beetles, all depicted with remarkable detail and accuracy. The insects are arranged around a single snapdragon flower, emphasizing the delicate beauty and natural order of the world. Hoefnagel's work exemplifies the meticulous observation and artistry of the "naturalist" genre, which flourished in the Renaissance and Baroque periods.