Six Insects, a Caterpillar, and a Snail

1644-1652

Wenceslaus Hollar

Associated Names
Wenceslaus Hollar

Artist, Bohemian, 1607 - 1677

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.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 11.8 × 18.4 cm (4 5/8 × 7 1/4 in.)
    sheet: 12.7 × 19.4 cm (5 × 7 5/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.4956

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. 1270, State only

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Fritz Rumpf [1856-1927], Potsdam (Lugt 2161); (C.G. Boerner, Leipzig, May 7-9, 1928, lot 638); purchased by Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891-1979], 1928; gift to NGA, 1943.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1971

  • A Selection of 17th Century Intaglio Prints from the National Gallery of Art Rosenwald Collection, New Jersey State Museum, Trenton, 1971-1972, no. 21.

Bibliography

1982

  • Pennington, Richard. A Descriptive Catalogue of the Etched Work of Wenceslaus Hollar 1607-1677. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1982, no. 2181, state only.

1996

  • The New Hollstein German Engravings, Etchings and Woodcuts, 1400-1700. (Wenceslaus Hollar, Simon Turner, author). Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-, no. 1270, state only.

Wikidata ID

Q65026360

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