Beetle 1690 - 1700

Jan Augustin van der Goes created this small watercolour of a beetle in the late 17th century. The insect, meticulously rendered with brown legs and a lustrous green carapace, appears pinned against a simple oval backdrop. The fine lines defining the beetle’s form and texture are striking. Note how the artist uses light and shadow to create a sense of volume, particularly in the rounded body, and the intricate details of the legs and antennae, capturing a sense of the creature’s delicate structure. Framed within the crisp geometric boundary, the Beetle functions both as a scientific study and an aesthetic object. This tension between observation and artistry destabilizes simple categorization, inviting us to reflect on how we perceive nature through different lenses. The formal constraints of the painting allow the viewer to engage with the piece, appreciating its beauty and engaging with its scientific elements.