Seven Insects c. 17th century

Curator: Here we have Pieter Withoos’s "Seven Insects" from the late 17th century, rendered with such delicate detail on paper. What jumps out at you? Editor: Immediately, the composition feels almost like a constellation—a collection of earthly stars against the cream-colored sky of the paper. Curator: It's interesting you say that. Insects in art often symbolize transformation and the ephemeral nature of life, evoking a sense of wonder and the interconnectedness of the natural world. Editor: I can see it. It's like each tiny creature, so precisely captured, becomes a symbol in its own right. The praying mantis, for instance, with its predatory stance, speaks to survival and instinct. Curator: And the bumblebee—a symbol of industry and community, buzzing with life and purpose! Withoos really makes you think about the miniature universes teeming all around us. Editor: Absolutely! It's a reminder to look closely, to find the extraordinary in the ordinary—and maybe even a little bit of ourselves in these fascinating little creatures. Curator: A world we should celebrate.