Dieren, planten en vruchten rond een krab 1592 - 1726

Jacob Hoefnagel's "Dieren, planten en vruchten rond een krab" (Animals, Plants, and Fruits Around a Crab) is a captivating example of 17th-century naturalism. Created between 1592 and 1726, this intricately detailed engraving showcases a diverse array of flora and fauna meticulously rendered with anatomical accuracy. From the central crab, a focal point of the composition, to the surrounding insects, flowers, and fruits, each element is depicted with a striking level of realism, capturing the beauty and wonder of the natural world. This small-scale work, measuring just 155 mm in height and 212 mm in width, exemplifies the artistic interest in scientific observation and the meticulous depiction of nature in the early modern period.