A hollyhock and a caterpillar

This drawing was given to Adriaen van de Velde (1636-1672), following the initials 'A.V.V', in the 1976-77 exhibition catalogue. An attribution to a member of the van der Vinne family of artists from Haarlem has been suggested. It seems closest to works by Laurens Jacobsz. van der Vinne (1712-1742). This study was most likely intended as a scientific drawing, as the isolated caterpillar left of the flower would not have been included in this way in a purely decorative drawing.

We are grateful to Robert-Jan te Rijdt for his assistance in preparing this catalogue entry and to Dr. Frans Laurentius for informing us that the paper dates from the early 18th Century.