Centipede (Scolopendra morsitans) Possibly 1731 - 1743

This is Mark Catesby’s ‘Centipede (Scolopendra morsitans)’, an engraving with watercolour, dating from the early 18th century. A centipede rests on a log at the bottom, while a flowering branch arches above it. Note the use of symmetry, the careful balance between the organic forms. Catesby meticulously renders the centipede’s segmented body and numerous legs with fine lines. Above, the branch’s leaves display various greens, suggesting depth and texture. The composition’s visual structure invites a semiotic reading. The centipede, a creature often associated with fear, is juxtaposed with a flowering branch, evoking nature's beauty and complexity. The detailed botanical illustration, common in scientific studies, contrasts with the centipede, challenging a simple view of nature as harmonious. The centipede threatens this ideal. Consider how the artist uses line and color to create both scientific accuracy and a deeper commentary on the natural world.