Artwork

Plate 7: Four Birds of Prey on a Wooden Frame

Plate 7: Four Birds of Prey on a Wooden Frame, by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594
Plate 7: Four Birds of Prey on a Wooden Frame, by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594

Plate 7: Four Birds of Prey on a Wooden Frame 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 7: Four Birds of Prey on a Wooden Frame is a watercolor and gold paint drawing on parchment created by Joris Hoefnagel around 1594.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts four birds of prey perched on a wooden frame, set against a backdrop of foliage and a grassy area with twigs. The birds are rendered in various colors and are labeled with numbers, suggesting a scientific or illustrative purpose.

Technique & Style

Hoefnagel's use of watercolor and gold paint on parchment achieves a delicate, luminous effect. The layering of paint creates depth, demonstrating the artist's skill with techniques such as glazing.

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 during the late 16th century.

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.