Plate 25: Blue Underwing Moth and Spurge Hawk Moth c. 1575 - 1580

Here we see Joris Hoefnagel's depiction of two moths, the Blue Underwing and Spurge Hawk, rendered with delicate detail in ink and watercolour. The composition, contained within an oval frame, presents the moths in a flattened, almost taxonomic arrangement. Note how Hoefnagel employs a contrast of textures to distinguish each species. The Blue Underwing Moth, positioned above, has a matte appearance achieved through layered washes of brown and grey, punctuated by subtle hints of blue that give the moth its name. The Spurge Hawk Moth has a smoother texture, delineated by fine, linear strokes that highlight the body's streamlined form. The warm pinks and reds of its lower wings provide a chromatic contrast to the muted tones of the Blue Underwing. This approach mirrors the scientific curiosity of the time, yet it is framed with a formal elegance that elevates the work beyond mere illustration. The structure of the composition allows the moths to be studied as specimens, but it also draws our attention to the aesthetic qualities of natural forms.