Sheet of Studies with Five Butterflies, a Wasp, and Two Flies c. 1680 - 1692
pieterwithoos
child-oriented illustration
toned paper
childish illustration
curved letter used
personal sketchbook
watercolour bleed
watercolour illustration
cartoon carciture
sketchbook art
watercolor
This detailed study by Dutch artist Pieter Withoos from the late 17th century showcases his meticulous attention to detail in capturing the delicate anatomy of butterflies and insects. The artwork depicts five butterflies, a wasp, and two flies, arranged on a sheet of paper, offering a glimpse into the natural world of the artist's time. Withoos's use of watercolor brings a sense of vibrancy to the subject matter, highlighting the intricate patterns and colors of each insect. This sheet of studies serves as a testament to the artist's interest in natural history, a subject popular during the Dutch Golden Age.
Comments
Drawings of butterflies like this sheet by Pieter Withoos of Amersfoort are devoid of any scientific pretensions. The artist may not have even known the names of the mounted specimens he was representing. He was more interested in creating a beautiful composition and alternating contrasting coloured insects, such as the blue and yellow-orange butterflies in this drawing.
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