Pair of Paintings of Insects and Small Animals

Description / Expertise

The first painting spells out the name of the artist using
snakes and caterpillars arranged in strange positions, the dot
formed by a small spider. The name is surrounded by further
spiders and caterpillars.
The second painting is of a more familiar format, with
redcurrants, beetles, moths and various insects. Similar
details may be observed in other insect paintings of the
period between 1653 and 1660. These paintings are treated as companions, but may originally have belonged to a larger
series. It is possible that they may have been conceived to be
displayed in the drawers of collectors’ cabinets, where the
eye could be deceived more convincingly.
The work of Jan van Kessel the Elder is represented in at
least 45 museums in Europe and America, including the
Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Prado in Madrid and the
Hermitage in St Petersburg.