Plate 28: Eight Moths, Including a Large Yellow Underwing and Grey Dagger c. 1575 - 1580

Joris Hoefnagel created this meticulous study of moths on paper, sometime in the late 16th century. Hoefnagel worked with watercolor and gouache, painstakingly building up layers of pigment to achieve a lifelike naturalism. The artist’s hand is remarkably precise, seen in the delicate rendering of each moth’s unique pattern and texture. But this wasn't art for art's sake. It was scientific illustration. In Hoefnagel’s time, there was increasing interest in natural philosophy. This artwork reflects the era's growing desire to document and classify the natural world, a pursuit driven by exploration and burgeoning trade routes. These scientific drawings were luxury commodities in themselves, collected by wealthy patrons. The work speaks volumes about a society on the cusp of profound scientific advancements, where art and science were intertwined, and where the handmade object was still the primary means of capturing and disseminating knowledge. The care and craftsmanship put into this artwork remind us that even seemingly straightforward depictions carry layers of cultural and historical significance.