Artwork

Plate 16: Gray Heron and Purple Heron(?) with a Sunflower

Plate 16: Gray Heron and Purple Heron(?)  with a Sunflower, by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594
Plate 16: Gray Heron and Purple Heron(?)  with a Sunflower, by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594

Plate 16: Gray Heron and Purple Heron(?) with a Sunflower is a gouache drawing by the Renaissance artist Joris Hoefnagel. It dates from 1594 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Plate 16: Gray Heron and Purple Heron(?

About this work

Overview

Plate 16: Gray Heron and Purple Heron(?) with a Sunflower is a watercolor and gold paint work on parchment created by Joris Hoefnagel around 1594. It exemplifies the artist's skill in natural history illustration and manuscript illumination.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts two herons, one gray and one purple, standing on a grassy hill with a sunflower between them. The detailed rendering of the birds and the flower reflects Hoefnagel's meticulous approach to natural subjects.

Technique & Style

The painting showcases Hoefnagel's use of watercolor and gold paint to achieve a serene and naturalistic effect. The intricate details of the herons' feathers and the sunflower's seeds demonstrate his technical skill.

Context

As a Flemish artist active in the late 16th century, Hoefnagel contributed to the development of topographical drawing and the emergence of floral still-life painting in northern Europe.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Joris Hoefnagel

Artist

Joris Hoefnagel

Joris Hoefnagel or Georg Hoefnagel (1542 – 24 July 1601) was a Flemish painter, printmaker, miniaturist, draftsman and merchant.

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