A Stag Beetle 1770 - 1840

Pierre Joseph Redouté, a renowned botanical artist, created this exquisite depiction of a stag beetle in the late 18th or early 19th century. The precise detail and meticulous shading render the beetle with scientific accuracy, making it a testament to Redouté's mastery of naturalism. The isolated, central placement of the subject against a pristine white background highlights the creature's intricate morphology, inviting viewers to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the natural world. The drawing's small size, characteristic of Redouté's work, suggests an intimate, almost meditative encounter with the insect.