Hoefnagel, a Flemish artist, combined beauty and accuracy in his illustrations of insects, referred to endearingly in Dutch as 'beestjes'. This artistic uniqueness emerged in the late sixteenth century alongside a growing interest in insects among artists and scientists. The 'Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World' exhibition at the National Gallery of Art displays Hoefnagel's work from 'The Four Elements' collection, showcasing around 300 watercolors categorized by elemental themes. Though the reasons for his classification of insects with fire remain unclear, both signify transformation, as noted by commentator Evan Puschak.
Hoefnagel's illustrations of beestjes combined beauty and accuracy in a manner never seen before, revealing a significant intertwining of art and science in the late sixteenth century.
The exhibition 'Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World' at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC showcases Hoefnagel's stunning depictions of insects.
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