Plate 42: Jewel Beetle with a Plant Gall(?) and a Flower c. 1575 - 1580

"Plate 42: Jewel Beetle with a Plant Gall(?) and a Flower" is a watercolor on vellum by Flemish artist Joris Hoefnagel, dated c. 1575 - 1580. This intricate illustration is one of many in Hoefnagel's renowned "The Natural History of Insects," known for its meticulous detail and scientific accuracy. The composition showcases a jewel beetle, a plant gall, and a flowering plant, all rendered with remarkable realism. The image's inscription in Latin, "Si quid in hoc opere delictum..." ("If there is any fault in this work...") highlights Hoefnagel's dedication to accurate scientific observation and his pursuit of artistic excellence.