Who painted Plate 12: Pair of Wood Grouse with a Melon and Pears?

Plate 12: Pair of Wood Grouse with a Melon and Pears was painted by Joris Hoefnagel in 1594.

Where can I see Plate 12: Pair of Wood Grouse with a Melon and Pears?

Plate 12: Pair of Wood Grouse with a Melon and Pears is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Plate 12: Pair of Wood Grouse with a Melon and Pears?

Plate 12: Pair of Wood Grouse with a Melon and Pears is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Plate 12: Pair of Wood Grouse with a Melon and Pears?

Museum-quality prints of Plate 12: Pair of Wood Grouse with a Melon and Pears are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Plate 12: Pair of Wood Grouse with a Melon and Pears

Joris Hoefnagel , 1594

Plate 12: Pair of Wood Grouse with a Melon and Pears 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.

Inscription: Inscribed:Upper center in (gold?): COELVM sursum et terra deorsum / Et cor Regis inscrutabile pro 25. (“The heaven above, and the earth beneath, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.” Proverbs 25:3) (Latin Vulgate Bible); center right in (gold?): XII.; birds in image numbered .1. and .2., in red ink Facing page: Upper center in violet ink: Annunciaverunt COELI Iustitiam eius: Et viderunt / omnes populi gloriam eius. Ps.96. (“The heavens declared his justice and all peoples saw his glory.” Psalms 96:6) (Latin Vulgate Bible); lower center in black ink: Educit nubes ab extremo terrae: Fulgura / In pluviam facit. ps: 134. (“He brings up clouds from the end of the earth; He has made lightnings for the rain.” Psalms 134:7) (Latin Vulgate Bible)

About this work

Overview

Plate 12: Pair of Wood Grouse with a Melon and Pears is a watercolor and gold paint work on parchment created by Joris Hoefnagel around 1594. It exemplifies the artist's skill in natural history illustration and decorative artistry.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts two wood grouse standing on grass with a branch bearing a melon and two pears above them. The Latin text at the top suggests the work was intended for a nature-themed book, possibly indicating a scientific or educational purpose.

Technique & Style

Hoefnagel's use of watercolor and gold paint achieves a delicate, detailed representation of the subjects. The soft colors, including earthy browns and muted golds, contribute to the work's subtle, refined appearance. The gold paint around the edge adds a decorative touch.