Lieveheersbeestje, rups, pissebed en twee torretjes 1690 - 1700

Curator: Ah, here we have “Lieveheersbeestje, rups, pissebed en twee torretjes,” dating from around 1690-1700, by Jan Augustin van der Goes. It’s a small world on paper, isn’t it? Editor: It really is! He's depicted a ladybug, caterpillar, pillbug, and two beetles in watercolor and colored pencil. I find the composition kind of odd; it's as if he wanted to cram everything on a single leaf! What's your read on it? Curator: Cramped, perhaps, but also intimate. These small creatures, typically overlooked, are rendered with a delicate precision. Think of the world that must have existed then! Before microscopes became common, representing this whole ecosystem on such a small scale would require acute observational skills. Notice how he captures the different textures—the fuzz of the caterpillar, the segmented shell of the pillbug. It almost invites us to enter their miniature realm. Editor: I see what you mean about inviting us into their world, making something mundane almost magical. It feels so intentional. Do you think there’s a symbolism attached to these creatures? Curator: Well, insects have always held symbolic weight, from vanity to hard work. Given the period, a gentle form of scientific exploration may have inspired Jan. I'm mostly taken by his evident delight in their mere existence, capturing each little beast with wonder. Editor: So maybe less a heavy-handed symbolic message and more a celebration of the small wonders? Curator: Precisely! Art doesn't always need to carry a profound message, you know. Sometimes it’s enough to simply open our eyes to the beauty that’s already there, crawling beneath our feet. What do you think? Editor: That makes me appreciate the piece much more, actually. It’s easy to look past the beauty of tiny insects. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It is often in the smallest things that we find the greatest enchantment!