A yellow caterpillar 

Herman Henstenburgh made this "Yellow Caterpillar" using watercolor on paper. The delicacy of the watercolor medium allows for fine details, capturing the caterpillar's segmented body and bristly hairs. The choice of watercolor is important; its fluid nature mirrors the caterpillar's soft, organic form. Henstenburgh's skill lies in controlling the medium, creating both precise outlines and subtle gradations of color, and in his detailed study of nature. Although seemingly straightforward, this is a work of considerable labor. Each tiny hair meticulously rendered, each band of color carefully applied. And in the 17th and 18th centuries, skills like these were hard-won through apprenticeships and practice. Considering the time invested in this piece allows us to appreciate the labor involved, and value the expertise required to produce such detailed and delicate work.