Artwork

Plate 23: Bream(?) and Other Fish

Plate 23: Bream(?) and Other Fish, by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594
Plate 23: Bream(?) and Other Fish, by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594

Plate 23: Bream(?) and Other Fish 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 23: Bream(?

About this work

Overview

Plate 23: Bream(?) and Other Fish 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 is a detailed study of ten fish, possibly including bream, presented in a light blue oval frame. The fish are numbered and labeled in Latin, indicating a scientific or educational purpose.

Technique & Style

Hoefnagel's use of watercolor and gold paint on parchment showcases his mastery of delicate, precise rendering. The gold border and watercolor style evoke the appearance of a page from an illuminated manuscript.

Context

As a Flemish artist trained in multiple disciplines, Hoefnagel contributed to the development of naturalistic studies in northern Europe, bridging manuscript illumination and emerging still-life painting genres.

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.