En sommerfugl 1600 - 1700

Pieter Holsteijn made this image of a butterfly with watercolor on paper in the 17th century. Holsteijn employed traditional techniques and materials. The paper support offers a smooth, absorbent surface, which allowed for fine detail. The careful application of watercolor suggests both scientific accuracy and aesthetic sensibility, typical of the period's natural history illustrations. The artwork's social significance lies in the context of the burgeoning scientific inquiry and the interest in the natural world. It reflects a culture of meticulous observation and documentation. The artist engages with traditions of botanical and zoological illustration, blending craft with scientific pursuit. Holsteijn's delicate rendering elevates the butterfly beyond mere documentation, inviting contemplation on the beauty and intricacy of the natural world. It is a reminder that even the most unassuming materials, when skillfully manipulated, can bridge the divide between art and science.