Artwork

Et pindsvin, en bæver og en hanbavian

Et pindsvin, en bæver og en hanbavian, by Unknown, unspecified, 1541
Et pindsvin, en bæver og en hanbavian, by Unknown, unspecified, 1541

Et pindsvin, en bæver og en hanbavian is an unspecified work on paper by Unknown. It dates from 1541 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1541 by the artist known as 2091_person, this watercolor depicts a hedgehog, a beaver and a baboon arranged vertically on a light beige ground. The composition places the hedgehog at the top, the beaver to the left below it, and the baboon at the bottom, each rendered in muted browns and grays with occasional pink and white highlights.

Subject & Meaning

The work presents three distinct mammals—each emblematic of different habitats and behaviors. The hedgehog, with its spiny coat, suggests defensive adaptation; the beaver, noted for its flat tail, evokes industriousness; the baboon, captured with an open mouth, conveys expressive primate character. Together they offer a comparative study of animal form and temperament.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolor, the painting employs a realistic approach, emphasizing fine detail in fur texture and anatomical features. The hedgehog’s quills are rendered with precise line work, while the beaver’s tail is defined by subtle washes. The baboon’s facial expression benefits from delicate shading that conveys depth and a slight sense of motion.

History & Provenance

The piece is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it remains on display. Its attribution to 2091_person and dating to the mid‑16th century are based on stylistic analysis and museum records, confirming its place within the institution’s holdings of early European watercolor animal studies.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known