Dragonfly, Ladybirds, and Butterflies

1644-1652

Wenceslaus Hollar

Associated Names
Wenceslaus Hollar

Artist, Bohemian, 1607 - 1677

This is a drawing of various insects, including butterflies, moths, a dragonfly, and other small creatures. The central focus of the drawing is a large dragonfly, with detailed, intricately patterned wings and segmented body, showing a fine network of lines. Surrounding the dragonfly are multiple species of butterflies and moths, each depicted with distinct wing patterns and markings, showcasing a diversity of designs. In addition to the larger insects, there are smaller creatures depicted with precise detail. The background is a plain, unadorned surface, emphasizing the focus on the detailed illustration of each insect.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 11.1 × 19.6 cm (4 3/8 × 7 11/16 in.)
    sheet: 11.9 × 20.2 cm (4 11/16 × 7 15/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.4958

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. 1272, 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. 2183, state only.

1996

  • The New Hollstein German Engravings, Etchings and Woodcuts, 1400-1700. (Wenceslaus Hollar, Simon Turner, author). Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-, no. 1272, state only.

Wikidata ID

Q65026362

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