Open full image Pin

Archetypa studiaque patris Georgii Hoefnagelii [Part 4, Title Page]

Jacob Hoefnagel

1592

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance Allegory

Dominant colour

Archetypa studiaque patris Georgii Hoefnagelii [Part 4, Title Page] is a 1592 ink by Jacob Hoefnagel, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Jacob Hoefnagel
When & what style?: 1592 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This image is a black-and-white engraving packed with symbols. Two vases sit on either side—one labeled *Homo*, the other *Bulla*—filled with flowers, birds, and vines. At the center, a skull hangs between them, with Latin words wrapped around it. Birds fly above, and tiny butterflies hover near the flowers. The skull is the main clue: it’s a reminder that life fades fast. The flowers and vases might stand for human life and fame, both short-lived. The Latin text adds layers, but the picture itself tells the story. Try looking up engraving to see how artists carved these sharp details into metal.

About the artist

Artist

Jacob Hoefnagel

Jacob Hoefnagel (also 'Jacobus', 'Jakob' or 'Jakub") (1573 in Antwerp – c.1632 in Hamburg), was a Flemish painter, printmaker, miniaturist, draftsman, art dealer, diplomat, merchant and politician.

See the richer artist page