Plate 57: A Diving Beetle and Two Views of a Backswimmer c. 1575 - 1580

Joris Hoefnagel made this watercolor of a diving beetle and backswimmers around 1575-1590. We can see the artist’s meticulous observation of nature and how it intersects with the cultural values of the time. The image is part of a larger trend in the 16th century, particularly among wealthy Europeans, to collect and study natural specimens. These collections, known as cabinets of curiosities, were status symbols and tools for understanding the world through empirical observation. Hoefnagel's rendering of the insects here reflects an emerging scientific curiosity. But there's also a sense of wonder and delight in the details of the natural world. Understanding the social and intellectual environment in which Hoefnagel worked helps us to see this image as more than just a scientific illustration. It shows us the values, interests, and aspirations of a particular social class in 16th-century Europe. Such historical context is crucial to understanding the cultural significance of art.