Tiny Intruders: The Secret (and Symbolic) Life of Insects in 17th-Century Still Lifes
A Single Tulip in a Vase [detail], 1625, Balthasar van der Ast, Mauritshuis, The Hague
By Heather Bolen
Imagine you've got a deliciously perfect bowl of fruit, a vase of flowers at their peak, or a beautifully set table ready for dinner—and then, there’s a fly. It might sound like a modern-day nuisance, but if you’re in a 17th-century Dutch still life, that insect might be the star of the show.
Far from being an accidental addition, insects were often carefully painted into 17th-century still lifes. Beetles, flies, and other creepy crawlies were not only common but served symbolic purposes. Let’s take a closer look at these uninvited guests and what they reveal about the world of still-life art in the Dutch Golden Age.
Bugs as Beauty Markers: Adding Realism with a Side of “Ew!”
Insects were part of the Dutch obsession with realism, and the art of depicting them flourished alongside a groundbreaking Dutch invention: the microscope. In the 17th century, Dutch scientists like Antonie van Leeuwenhoek advanced the microscope to astonishing levels of detail, opening up a hidden world of tiny life that fascinated both scientists and artists alike. The Dutch could now study the complex structures of even the smallest insects, inspiring painters to capture these intricate details with remarkable precision. A fly on an apple or a beetle on a flower now had added significance, as viewers knew these tiny creatures were just as complicated as the world around them.
The Bugs’ Secret Symbolism: When Insects Were Moral Teachers
In a period obsessed with symbolism, even a little bug could mean big things. But why was the 17th century so captivated by hidden meanings? The Dutch Golden Age was marked by extraordinary prosperity and a flourishing art market, yet it was also a time of introspection and moral consideration. The Protestant Reformation had led to a more austere approach to religious art, shifting the focus toward secular subjects that carried deep moral and spiritual lessons. Dutch society, shaped by Calvinist values, was morally introspective, often reflecting on the transience of earthly pleasures.
Still-Life with Flowers, Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder, 1617, Hallwyl Museum, Stockholm
Religious restrictions on overt religious imagery encouraged artists to embed Christian and moral symbolism into everyday scenes, and insects, while small, carried large symbolic weight. Still lifes became canvases for exploring ideas about life, death, and the fleeting nature of wealth and beauty. While the material wealth and abundance in these paintings suggested success and luxury, the presence of bugs hinted at the impermanence of these earthly delights. Each insect was carefully chosen to teach a specific moral lesson, making these paintings a subtle form of spiritual reflection.
Here’s how different insects conveyed Christian, Calvinist, and moral values in Dutch and Flemish still lifes:
Caterpillars and Butterflies: These creatures became symbols of transformation and spiritual rebirth. Caterpillars, inching along leaves, represented the process of growth and self-reflection, a theme in Calvinist beliefs. Meanwhile, butterflies, which had completed their metamorphosis, symbolized the soul’s resurrection and the promise of eternal life, especially when hovering near a burning candle. It was a 17th-century reminder that the soul, like the butterfly, can find new life beyond earthly trials.
Flies: Flies were symbols of decay and the sin lurking within earthly beauty. Artists subtly warned against the vanity of material pleasures and overindulgence by showing flies perched on ripe fruit or flowers. The Calvinist focus on modesty and vigilance against moral decay was embodied in these pesky intruders—a reminder that beauty fades and life itself is transient. Just as a perfect pear could rot, so too would we all. It was the 17th-century way of saying, “Remember, everything ages—even you.”
Beetles: Beetles, especially the stag often-depicted beetle, with its impressive antlers, symbolized strength and resilience. They were the heavyweight champions of the bug world, a little reminder that survival wasn’t easy for anyone—beetle or human. Beetles represented the ability to thrive against the odds, a reminder that even in a world of constant change, strength of spirit endures. It was like saying, “Hold on to what matters, even when life is tough.”
Moths: Moths, often seen hovering near a candle, represent the dangers of temptation. Just as a moth is drawn to flame, risking its own destruction, humans could be drawn to life’s temptations. It was a subtle reminder that earthly pleasures can lead to spiritual peril. A 17th-century way of cautioning, “Be careful what you’re drawn to; it might burn you.”
Bees and Ants: Industrious bees and ants embodied virtues prized in Calvinist society: hard work, discipline, and devotion to the common good. Bees, busily working to create honey, symbolized community and productivity. Ever toiling and gathering, ants reminded viewers of the importance of diligence and preparing for the future. Their presence in still-life paintings encouraged a life of dedication and productivity, aligning with Calvinist teachings on work and humility.
Dragonflies and Grasshoppers: Often seen resting on flowers or perched on fruit, dragonflies and grasshoppers symbolize the fleeting nature of earthly pleasures. In Calvinist society, these creatures served as cautionary symbols, reminding viewers not to become overly absorbed in temporary joys but rather to stay focused on eternal life. Their presence aligned with the Calvinist values of self-discipline and the importance of avoiding complacency—essentially saying, “Don’t get too comfortable; this world is not your final home.”
This detail of Jan Davidsz de Heem’s Vase of Flowers (c. 1660, Mauritshuis, The Hague) shows a snail, multiple butterflies and moths, and caterpillars.
When a Cockroach Isn’t Just a Cockroach: Bugs as Class Commentary
Not all insects were symbols of decay or morality; some also reflected class distinctions. A still life free from insects suggested wealth and control over nature, while one teeming with flies or ants hinted at a more modest, rustic lifestyle. This contrast between perfection and nature’s intrusion allowed artists to play with the tension between ideal and real—a reminder that even the wealthiest tables eventually attracted a bug or two.
Show-Off Insects: Making the Ordinary Extraordinary
Painters didn’t choose bugs only for symbolism—they also loved a good challenge. With their intricate details and complex shapes, insects allowed artists to display their skill. A beetle’s iridescent shell or the delicate wings of a butterfly became dazzling details, made all the more real by Dutch innovations like the microscope. But the microscope wasn’t the only tool advancing their craft; several artistic and scientific developments also played a part:
Improved Oil Paints and Pigments: In the 17th century, advances in oil paints gave artists a wider range of colors and allowed for smoother, more detailed brushstrokes. New pigments, like vibrant greens and rich reds, added depth and realism to even the smallest details, from a delicate flower petal to the gleaming shell of a beetle.
The Use of Glazing Techniques: Dutch artists perfected glazing techniques, layering thin, translucent coats of paint to create depth, luminosity, and incredibly lifelike textures. This layering allowed artists to capture the delicate sheen on a fly’s wing or the velvety texture of a petal, enhancing the “realness” of their compositions.
Advances in Optics and Lenses: While the microscope allowed for close inspection, the development of better-quality lenses in eyeglasses, magnifying glasses, and early telescopes also played a role in enhancing visual acuity. This access to sharper vision helped artists study their subjects with newfound clarity, translating even minute details of insects into their work with astonishing accuracy.
Emphasis on Naturalism in Art: The broader trend of naturalism in Dutch art encouraged close observation of the natural world, from human anatomy to tiny organisms. Scientific discoveries in botany and entomology provided artists with new knowledge about plant and insect structures, inspiring them to push the boundaries of realism.
These innovations made insects in still-life paintings not just symbols but miniature masterpieces. The realism of a tiny fly or a glistening beetle’s shell made viewers pause, marveling at the artist’s talent and dedication to capturing the intricate beauty of even the smallest creatures.
Seventeenth-century Dutch still lifes often included hidden details beyond insects. In this example by Rachel Ruysch, her self-portrait appears in the reflection of the glass vase alongside a window view. Still Life with Flowers on a Marble Tabletop, 1716, Rachel Ruysch, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
Symbolic Guests: Snails, Frogs, and Other Tiny Creatures
In addition to insects, 17th-century still lifes sometimes featured other small creatures like snails, frogs, and even lizards. These animals added complexity and symbolic weight to the compositions, each bringing its own message and enhancing the realistic allure of the artwork.
Snails: A common sight in Dutch still lifes, snails symbolize patience, humility, and the slow passage of time. Their slow movement and delicate spiral shells were reminders of life’s fragility and the inevitability of death. In some cases, snails also represented resurrection, as they retreat into their shells only to re-emerge—a subtle nod to Christian beliefs. For artists, the snail’s smooth shell and iridescent surface were challenges that allowed them to show off their skills in capturing complex textures and lighting effects.
Frogs: Frogs, often painted alongside damp flowers or resting near ponds, were associated with transformation and rebirth due to their life cycle from tadpole to frog. In Calvinist symbolism, they could also represent uncleanliness or sin, as amphibians were sometimes viewed as creatures of the "lower" earth. However, in other contexts, frogs were seen as symbols of resurrection and renewal, making them versatile and complex additions to still lifes. Their smooth, glossy skin was a wonderful surface for painters to showcase their talents in creating lifelike textures.
Lizards and Salamanders: Lizards, with their ability to drop and regenerate tails, were often symbols of survival and resilience, though generally not as common as other creatures. Salamanders, more elusive but appearing occasionally, were associated with renewal and transformation, particularly in alchemical and mythological contexts. In art, they represented resilience due to their reputed (though mythological) connection with fire and rebirth and their actual regenerative abilities. Audiences would likely associate these animals with mystery and exoticism rather than concrete religious meaning, though their unique traits lent them symbolic value as metaphors for resilience.
Shells and Sea Creatures: Seashells, which often appeared alongside flowers or fruits, symbolized beauty, mystery, and the vast unknowns of the natural world. They reminded viewers of the diversity of God’s creation and were sometimes linked to pilgrimages or journeys, adding a spiritual or philosophical layer to the artwork. Shells also allowed artists to explore smooth and spiral shapes, enhancing the realism of the scene while introducing fascinating geometry.
Birds and Small Mammals: Birds, particularly sparrows or finches, sometimes made appearances in still lifes, symbolizing the soul or freedom. Small mammals, like mice, were less common but, when present, often represented gluttony or decay, especially if shown nibbling on fruit or bread. These animals served as visual reminders of the moral consequences of indulgence and the omnipresence of temptation.
Still Life with a Vase of Flowers and a Dead Frog, 1634, Jacob Marrel, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
Still Life in 17th-Century Holland: A Bug’s Eye View
The Dutch Golden Age brought with it an unprecedented love for still-life paintings and a new role for insects as moral guides, realism boosters, and sources of quiet humor. Artists used bugs to remind viewers of life’s impermanence, humanity’s place in the natural world, and the subtle moral lessons of Calvinist faith.
So, look closer next time you see a delicate bouquet or a bowl of fruit in a 17th-century painting. Those bugs are there for a reason—whether it’s to teach a spiritual lesson, show off the artist’s skill, or give you a little chuckle about the impossibility of perfection.
