Two moths and six Insects 1645

Wenceslaus Hollar created this etching, "Two Moths and Six Insects," in 1646. Hollar was a Bohemian printmaker, whose life and work were deeply influenced by the turbulent times of the Thirty Years' War. Hollar made this print after drawings from the collection of Arundel House. Consider how Hollar’s meticulous depictions reflect both the scientific curiosity and the aesthetic appreciation of the natural world that characterized the 17th century. During the period, the study of insects and other small creatures was linked to broader ideas about the interconnectedness of nature, a concept laden with philosophical and religious implications. The detailed representation of each insect invites us to look closely, to marvel at the intricacies of the natural world, and perhaps to reflect on our place within it. Ultimately, Hollar's print is a reminder of the intricate beauty and complexity of the natural world.