Plate 70: A Roach Surrounded by Insects c. 1575 - 1580

Joris Hoefnagel made this watercolor and gouache on paper around 1575-1600. Look closely, and you’ll see the artist has expertly rendered the textures and intricate details of the insects. The layered application of watercolor creates a sense of depth and volume, while the opaque gouache highlights the insect's iridescent bodies. During this time, there was a growing interest in natural history and scientific illustration. Hoefnagel's skill in capturing the minute details of each insect reflects a meticulous approach to observation and documentation, much like a scientist. The artist’s choice of materials elevate the status of these everyday creatures, typically considered pests, to objects of artistic and scientific interest. The time and labor involved in creating such detailed illustrations would have been considerable, suggesting a value placed on both the subject matter and the act of artistic creation. This reflects a tension between the functional and the artistic, challenging the traditional hierarchy between craft and fine art.