Plate 44: Mantis, Mayfly, and a Fictional Locust c. 1575 - 1580

Joris Hoefnagel's "Plate 44: Mantis, Mayfly, and a Fictional Locust" (c. 1575-1580) is a detailed watercolor illustration from his famous "Natural History" series. This miniature work, which was originally part of a larger collection of drawings, showcases Hoefnagel's meticulous attention to detail and his fascination with the natural world. The artwork features a praying mantis, a mayfly, and a fantastical locust, a testament to the blending of scientific observation with artistic imagination common in the Renaissance era. This piece, with its delicate lines and vibrant colors, epitomizes the beauty and elegance of the “miniaturist” style.