Plate 8: Orange Tip, Painted Lady, Southern Small White, and Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies c. 1575 - 1580

"Plate 8: Orange Tip, Painted Lady, Southern Small White, and Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies" is a watercolor painting on paper by Flemish artist Joris Hoefnagel, created between 1575 and 1580. This detailed artwork depicts four different species of butterflies, showcasing Hoefnagel's meticulous attention to detail and naturalism. The butterflies are arranged in a circular composition within a golden oval, emphasizing their beauty and diversity. This piece is part of a larger series of works focusing on the natural world, reflecting the growing interest in scientific observation and the beauty of the natural world during the Renaissance.