Insecten 1630

Jacob Hoefnagel made this print called ‘Insecten’ without a known date, using engraving techniques. It depicts a variety of insects arranged symmetrically on a rectangular plane. ‘Insecten’ demonstrates the rise of natural science during the late Renaissance. Advances in printing technology allowed for the wide distribution of images. Illustrative works such as this facilitated the study of the natural world, contributing to the development of scientific classification systems. Hoefnagel’s choice to depict insects may reflect a broader cultural interest in the natural world, but also the way that even the smallest creatures can represent the order of a divinely created universe. The imagery is based on detailed observation, but is also symbolic. These insects signify the interconnectedness of all living things. To truly understand this artwork, one needs to look at the social and intellectual environment in which it was produced, including the traditions of natural history illustration.