Zwarte Waterkever 1825 - 1895

"Zwarte Waterkever" (Black Water Beetle) is a watercolor painting by Adriaan van der Willigen, a Dutch artist known for his meticulous depictions of the natural world. Created between 1825 and 1895, this small artwork (104 mm high x 164 mm wide) showcases a single water beetle, rendered in exquisite detail, against a stark white background. The beetle, likely a species of "Hydrophilus", is depicted from a slightly oblique angle, showcasing its iridescent black shell and delicate limbs. The work reflects van der Willigen's commitment to scientific accuracy, evident in the precise representation of the beetle's anatomy and the inclusion of its scientific name in the artist's own hand. The artwork's simplicity and realism underscore van der Willigen's talent for capturing the beauty of the natural world.