Teringlijdertje en een borstelworm 1778

Robbert Muys created this undated drawing with ink and watercolor, depicting a centipede and a bristle worm. The composition is structured by the distinct arrangements of each specimen. The centipede, or "Teringlijdertje," stretches horizontally across the upper half, its segmented body defined by meticulous linework and subtle shading. Beneath it, the "borstelworm" is presented in a similar vein, exhibiting a dense array of bristles. Muys's work reflects the Enlightenment's interest in cataloging and understanding the natural world through detailed observation. The graphic style of his rendering embodies the period’s rational approach. Each line and color choice serves to illuminate the creatures' physical attributes. Consider how the stark contrast between the sinuous form of the centipede and the bristled texture of the worm creates a visual tension. This contrast is not merely representational but embodies a mode of inquiry, challenging viewers to consider how they classify and differentiate between different life forms.