The description of the hands in "Angels and Insects" by A.S. Byatt evokes a sense of fragility and age. The ivory color of the skin, combined with fine wrinkles, suggests that these hands have seen much over time. The vivid imagery of livid bruises and arthritic nodes illustrates a life marked by struggle and deterioration, while the irregular brown stains hint at deeper stories and experiences.

The contrast between the candlvwax-colored flesh and the hard, horny nails gives a visual indication of vulnerability and a lack of vitality. Byatt's portrayal invites the reader to reflect on the passage of time and the physical toll it takes, encapsulating both beauty and decay within a singular image that speaks to the human condition.