Artwork

Archetypa studiaque patris Georgii Hoefnagelii [Part 3, Plate 3]

Archetypa studiaque patris Georgii Hoefnagelii [Part 3, Plate 3], by Jacob Hoefnagel, ink, 1592
Archetypa studiaque patris Georgii Hoefnagelii [Part 3, Plate 3], by Jacob Hoefnagel, ink, 1592

Archetypa studiaque patris Georgii Hoefnagelii [Part 3, Plate 3] is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Jacob Hoefnagel. It dates from 1592 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Archetypa studiaque patris Georgii Hoefnagelii [Part 3, Plate 3] is an engraving on laid paper created by Jacob Hoefnagel in 1592. It is a natural history illustration featuring a detailed arrangement of plants and animals.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts a variety of natural subjects, including a frog, snail, squash or gourds, flowers, butterflies, and beetles. The Latin text at the top and bottom likely provides a description of the scene, highlighting the artist's focus on everyday natural elements.

Technique & Style

The image is characterized by precise lines, suggesting a scientific or observational approach. The use of engraving as a technique allowed for detailed renderings, making it suitable for natural history illustrations.

History & Provenance

Jacob Hoefnagel, the artist, was a Flemish painter, printmaker, and diplomat who served as a court painter to Emperor Rudolf II and the Swedish court. He was the son of Joris Hoefnagel, a court painter.

Artist & collection

Artist

Jacob Hoefnagel

Jacob Hoefnagel (also 'Jacobus', 'Jakob' or 'Jakub") (1573 in Antwerp – c.1632 in Hamburg), was a Flemish painter, printmaker, miniaturist, draftsman, art dealer, diplomat, merchant and politician.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.