Art and science come together in a captivating new joint exhibition as the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History unveil Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World. This extraordinary showcase explores the intersection of art, nature, and human curiosity, featuring stunning artistic interpretations of the animal kingdom alongside scientific specimens that have fascinated scholars and artists for centuries.
Running from May 18 through November 2, Little Beasts pairs nearly 75 prints, drawings, and paintings with around 60 objects from the NMNH collection. It takes visitors on a journey through the 16th and 17th centuries when there was a fervor for studying the natural world. Advancements in scientific technology, trade, and colonial expansion allowed naturalists to study previously unknown and overlooked insects, animals, and other beestjes, or “little beasts.”
Artists captured countless varieties of flora and fauna in paintings, prints, and encyclopedic volumes. Artists such as Joris Hoefnagel and Jan van Kessel helped deepen and spread knowledge of these creatures. The exhibition highlights how art has played a crucial role in shaping our understanding of biodiversity, conservation, and the relationship between humans and the natural world.
Curated in collaboration between experts from both institutions, Little Beasts offers a one-of-a-kind experience that blends artistic wonder with scientific discovery. Whether you’re an art lover, a natural history enthusiast, or simply curious about the hidden beauty of small creatures, this exhibition provides a unique perspective on the natural world.
Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World opens on May 18 at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Find more on the museum’s website.
