A Great Green Bush Cricket (Tettigorica viridissima Linneaeus), A Clioniona Spider, and a Beetle 1600 - 1700

This 17th-century anonymous watercolor study depicts a great green bush cricket (Tettigonia viridissima Linnaeus), a Clioniona spider, and a beetle. These detailed studies, created during a period when natural history was gaining scientific interest, showcase the careful observation of the artist. The detailed depiction of the insects’ anatomical features suggests the work’s connection to scientific illustration, a genre that flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries. The delicate brushstrokes and watercolor washes create a realistic and captivating portrayal of these fascinating creatures.