The Great Moth 1731 - 1743

Mark Catesby made this watercolor and graphite on paper artwork titled "The Great Moth". Catesby's process involved direct engagement with the natural world. He meticulously observed and documented the flora and fauna of the Americas, and these experiences are imbued into the artwork through a traditional art-making process. Notice how the careful application of watercolor allows the artist to capture the variations in color and texture of the leaves, flowers, and the moth itself. Graphite is employed to add fine details, like the delicate veins on the leaves and the intricate patterns on the moth's wings. The artwork embodies the amount of time and skill required to produce it, and its cultural significance lies in its role as a scientific record. Catesby's work straddles the line between art and science, challenging traditional distinctions between disciplines, and offering insights into the natural world.