J. SCHELLENBERG (*1740), Caterpillar, Watercolor

Johann Rudolf Schellenberg (1740 Basel - 1806 Töß near Winterthur): Caterpillar, 18th century, Watercolor

Technique: Watercolor over Pencil on Paper

Inscription: lower left inscribed by another person: "J. R. Schellenberg.".

Date: 18th century

Description: You don't have to be a biologist to marvel at the beauty of such a precisely drawn study. Certainly, the trained eye can easily determine the exact name of this hawkmoth caterpillar from the scientifically precise illustration. But even the layman will enjoy the depiction of this native animal. The delicate creatures are only rarely discovered in the grass and each time we are amazed anew at the strange appearance of these creatures, which are supposed to develop into colourful winged butterflies in a wonderful metamorphosis. | Watermark: Fleur-de-Lys (fragment)

Keywords: Insect, caterpillar, butterfly, 18th century, Classicism, Animals, Switzerland,

Size: Paper: 22,3 cm x 17,8 cm (8,8 x 7 in)

22.3 x 17.8 cm
Condition Report: Good condition. Minimally stained, lower left with a small hole in the corner. Remnants of an old mount in the corners verso.