This drawing is an allegorical representation that symbolizes the union of arts and sciences (= Hermathena theme). The owl symbolizes Athena, goddess of wisdom and the staff she holds - a brush with two snakes around - symbolizes Hermes, god of the Fine Arts. The insects and the painting tools are shown with great accuracy. Hoefnagel used shadows to make it appear as if the insects and the objects were lying on the parchment. The Hermathena theme is expressed by various elements such as the caption 'Hermathena' and the motto at the top 'Nobody has an aversion to art, except those who know nothing about it'. Furthermore, through the owl, a symbol of Athena, goddess of wisdom and the staff she holds (two snakes around a brush) - the symbol of Hermes - god of Geometry, Eloquence, Music, Literature and the Fine Arts. The attributes of Hermes are also represented, namely the various instruments that belong to the various art forms: brush, compass, mussel shell with paint residues.