Plate 15: Grayling Butterfly, Magpie Moth, and Two Chrysalides c. 1575 - 1580

Joris Hoefnagel rendered this image of a Grayling Butterfly, Magpie Moth, and Two Chrysalides during a time of immense cultural curiosity and the birth of entomology as a science. Hoefnagel, positioned as a court artist during the late Renaissance, straddled both the world of artistry and natural science. The detailed observation of insects reflects a broader cultural interest in the natural world, fueled by exploration and the desire to classify and understand the environment. This drawing, however, goes beyond mere scientific documentation; it encapsulates the wonder and transformation inherent in nature. The metamorphosis of the insects mirrors the period's societal changes, from entrenched traditions towards embracing newfound knowledge. Each stage of life, from the dormant chrysalis to the winged creatures, captures a sense of potential. The work is a delicate dance between observation and imagination. It prompts us to consider our place in the grand tapestry of existence and the endless cycle of change.