Hollandse vrouwenvlooi Possibly 1770 - 1787

Here, Jan Brandes presents us with a watercolor depiction of a flea, titled "Hollandse vrouwenvlooi," meticulously observed through a microscope, likely completed around 1778. The image captures not just the exterior but also, intriguingly, the internal anatomy of this tiny creature. Consider this humble flea: throughout history, across myriad cultures, insects have appeared in art as symbols of both pestilence and perseverance. The scarab beetle in ancient Egypt, revered for its regenerative abilities, stands in stark contrast to the flea, often associated with disease and uncleanliness. Yet, both tap into a deep, subconscious understanding of nature's relentless cycles. The flea, a carrier of plague, becomes a memento mori, a reminder of our fragile existence, resurfacing in art during times of upheaval and uncertainty. Its image, whether magnified under a scientific lens or lurking in the shadows of our collective fears, embodies a potent emotional charge that continues to resonate today.