Still Life with Snail

This still-life by Hoefnagel also doubles as a zoological study. The details of the insects are highly anatomically accurate, as is also the case with the botanical elements. Hoefnagel has created a sense of balance in the piece by having non-identical elements placed in the composition in near-symmetrical positions. For example, a blue flower on the left is mirrored by a larger, red counterpart, each with their own butterfly flying towards them. The layout of the piece is incredibly satisfying with pale blues, reds and oranges being repeated throughout the painting. Each element is interesting in its own right within the balanced composition. Hoefnagel was a pioneer in this genre, helping to cement floral still-lives as a staple of Northern European art during the 17^th Century.