Artwork

Plate 27: A Common Scoter, a Eurasian Coot, and a Rosefinch(?)

Plate 27: A Common Scoter, a Eurasian Coot, and a Rosefinch(?), by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594
Plate 27: A Common Scoter, a Eurasian Coot, and a Rosefinch(?), by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594

Plate 27: A Common Scoter, a Eurasian Coot, and a Rosefinch(?) 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. This watercolor and gold paint work on parchment, Plate 27: A Common Scoter, a Eurasian Coot, and a Rosefinch(?

About this work

Overview

This watercolor and gold paint work on parchment, Plate 27: A Common Scoter, a Eurasian Coot, and a Rosefinch(?), was created by Joris Hoefnagel around 1594. It is a representative example of the artist's detailed natural history illustrations.

Technique & Style

Hoefnagel's use of watercolor and gold paint on parchment showcases his skill in manuscript illumination techniques, which were evolving into independent still-life painting during the late 16th century.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts three birds: a Common Scoter, a Eurasian Coot, and possibly a Rosefinch, exemplifying Hoefnagel's meticulous approach to illustrating flora and fauna.

Context

Produced during the Renaissance, a period of significant artistic innovation, this work reflects the era's advancements in natural history illustration and the transition towards more specialized forms of still-life painting.

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.