Plate 68: Seven Bees and Flies c. 1575 - 1580

Joris Hoefnagel’s “Plate 68: Seven Bees and Flies”, created between 1575 and 1580, showcases the artist’s meticulous attention to detail in capturing the intricate anatomy of insects. This watercolor illustration, part of a larger collection of natural history studies, depicts seven different species of bees and flies, each rendered with remarkable realism. The insects are arranged within an oval frame against a pale background, allowing for their delicate features to be highlighted. The scientific accuracy and artistic precision of Hoefnagel’s work make it a significant example of the flourishing natural history genre during the Renaissance.