Plate 60: Leafy Spurge Hawkmoth Caterpillar, Pupae, and Other Caterpillars c. 1575 - 1580

This highly detailed watercolor painting by Joris Hoefnagel, titled “Plate 60: Leafy Spurge Hawkmoth Caterpillar, Pupae, and Other Caterpillars,” is part of a larger collection of miniature paintings called the "The Archduke's Collection". The artwork depicts various stages of the life cycle of the Leafy Spurge Hawkmoth, a type of moth found in Europe. Hoefnagel was a renowned Flemish artist specializing in meticulous depictions of natural history, capturing the intricacies of insects and other small creatures with incredible accuracy. The painting exemplifies the scientific and artistic advancements of the 16th century, showcasing both the beauty and wonder of the natural world.