Plate 16: Black-Veined White, Clouded Yellow, Black Hairstreak(?), Geranium Argus(?), and Common Blue Butterflies with Two Chrysalides c. 1575 - 1580

"Plate 16: Black-Veined White, Clouded Yellow, Black Hairstreak(?), Geranium Argus(?), and Common Blue Butterflies with Two Chrysalides" is a watercolor on vellum by Joris Hoefnagel, a renowned Flemish artist, dating back to c. 1575-1580. This exquisite miniature, part of a larger series, showcases the intricate details of various butterfly species and their chrysalides, a testament to Hoefnagel's meticulous observation of nature. The composition is organized within an oval frame, highlighting the delicate wings, patterns, and subtle variations of each insect. This work exemplifies Hoefnagel's contribution to the burgeoning field of natural history illustration during the Renaissance period.