Artwork

Plate 26: A Red Fox and a Wolf

Plate 26: A Red Fox and a Wolf, by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594
Plate 26: A Red Fox and a Wolf, by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594

Plate 26: A Red Fox and a Wolf 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.

About this work

Overview

Plate 26: A Red Fox and a Wolf is a watercolor and gold paint drawing on parchment created by Joris Hoefnagel around 1594. It exemplifies the artist's expertise in natural history illustration and manuscript illumination.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a red fox and a wolf on a grassy hill, with a tree trunk and branch in the background. The animals face each other, their tails hanging down, and the wolf's mouth is open. The scene is rendered against a light beige background.

Technique & Style

Hoefnagel's use of watercolor and gold paint on parchment achieves a delicate, precise effect. Intricate details and textures are visible in the fur and foliage, showcasing the artist's skill in blending scientific observation with artistic precision.

Context

As a Flemish artist and one of the last manuscript illuminators, Hoefnagel's work contributed to the development of floral still-life painting in northern Europe. His detailed studies of flora and fauna reflect his broader contributions to manuscript illumination and ornamental design.

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.