Artwork

Plate 41: Whitefish(?) and Other Fish

Plate 41: Whitefish(?) and Other Fish, by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594
Plate 41: Whitefish(?) and Other Fish, by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594

Plate 41: Whitefish(?) 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 41: Whitefish(?

About this work

Overview

Plate 41: Whitefish(?) and Other Fish is a 1594 watercolor and gold paint drawing on parchment by Joris Hoefnagel, a Flemish painter and miniaturist. The work features a circular arrangement of nine diverse fish species within a pale blue water environment, meticulously detailed and labeled with tiny numbers.

Subject & Meaning

The subject centers on a naturalistic depiction of fish, possibly including a whitefish, showcasing Hoefnagel's contribution to early northern European still-life and natural history illustration. The labeled, organized composition suggests a scientific or educational intent alongside its artistic value.

Technique & Style

Hoefnagel employed watercolor for the subtle, precise rendering of fish scales, fins, and the pale blue background. Gold paint was used for a thin framing line, adding a touch of luxury. The technique likely involved glazing to achieve depth and luminosity, characteristic of Hoefnagel's meticulous miniaturist style.

History & Provenance

Created around 1594, during the late 16th century, the piece reflects Hoefnagel's role in transitioning floral and natural subjects into independent still-life genres. Provenance details are not provided in the available information.

Context

This work is situated within the broader context of 16th-century northern European art's growing interest in natural history and the emergence of still-life as a distinct genre. It also touches on the intersection of art and science during the period.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of *Plate 41* are not provided, Hoefnagel's overall body of work, including this piece, influenced the development of natural history illustration and the still-life genre 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.