Artwork preview

Plate 47: Nine Crabs

Joris Hoefnagel

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting of various crabs in a sea setting. It depicts an array of crabs of different shapes and sizes, each creatively arranged within a blue colored oval. The artwork showcases detailed illustrations of crabs numbered 1 through 9, each displaying unique characteristics, textures, and colors. The larger crab on the right dominates the composition with its spiny shell and extended legs, contrasting with smaller crabs scattered throughout. Delicate lines and shading emphasize the anatomy of each creature. The painting is bordered with a thin yellow line and the Roman numeral XXXVII is located to the right. This is in the style of Albertus Seba, with an attention to scientific illustration and historical artistry.

Artwork Details

Date
c.1575/1590s
Medium
watercolor and gold paint on parchment
Dimensions
5182 × 3597 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original