Insects and Fruit c. 1653 - 1661

toned paper

possibly oil pastel

oil painting

coloured pencil

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

green and neutral

mixed media

watercolor

warm toned green

Jan van Kessel's "Insects and Fruit" (c. 1653-1661) is a meticulously detailed miniature painting depicting a variety of insects and a cluster of white currants. The work showcases van Kessel's mastery of naturalism, as he captures the delicate textures and intricate patterns of each creature and fruit. The painting is a testament to the Dutch fascination with the natural world during the 17th century and exemplifies the artistic genre of "insect studies" which gained popularity during this period. "Insects and Fruit" is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

Comments

rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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Jan van Kessel painted different kinds of beetles, flies and butterflies near a sprig of white currants with almost scientific accuracy. He relied on illustrations in scientific books on entomology as well as the actual insects themselves. This little painting reflects the sense of curiosity, discovery, wonder, as well as the urge to collect that led to the creation of many cabinets of art and curiosities in the artist’s time.