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Six Insects, a Caterpillar, and a Snail

Wenceslaus Hollar

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of various insects and a snail. The image depicts a neatly arranged selection of insects, a snail, and a caterpillar. The drawing includes three prominently displayed moths or butterflies, each showcasing different patterns on their wings. In the top part of the drawing, there is a detailed snail with its shell spirals and antennae extended, placed above a furry caterpillar. On the left and right edges, there are two smaller butterflies or moths with distinct markings. The entire arrangement is enclosed within a rectangular border. The drawing is rendered with fine lines, which emphasizes the textures and details of the insects and the snail.

Artwork Details

Date
1644-1652
Medium
etching on laid paper
Dimensions
4713 × 3120 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette