Who painted Plate 13: Two Curly Gray Chickens (Silkie Chickens?)?

Plate 13: Two Curly Gray Chickens (Silkie Chickens?) was painted by Joris Hoefnagel in 1594.

Where can I see Plate 13: Two Curly Gray Chickens (Silkie Chickens?)?

Plate 13: Two Curly Gray Chickens (Silkie Chickens?) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Plate 13: Two Curly Gray Chickens (Silkie Chickens?)?

Plate 13: Two Curly Gray Chickens (Silkie Chickens?) is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Plate 13: Two Curly Gray Chickens (Silkie Chickens?)?

Museum-quality prints of Plate 13: Two Curly Gray Chickens (Silkie Chickens?) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Plate 13: Two Curly Gray Chickens (Silkie Chickens?)

Joris Hoefnagel , 1594

Plate 13: Two Curly Gray Chickens (Silkie Chickens?) 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 red ink: .3.; upper center in blue ink: Sponte mea facilis, contempto nascor In agro: / Parsq[ue] loci quo sto, publica pene Via est.; center right in (gold?): XIII.; birds in image numbered .1. and .2., in red ink; fruit on tree in image numbered .3., in red ink; lower center in violet ink: Heu mihi maturos, numq[ue] licet edere foetus: / Ante diem meae, decutiuntur opes. / .3. Facing page: Upper center in black ink: Pascitur et dulci, facilis Gallina farina / Pascitur et tenebris:Ingeniosa gula est.; lower center in black ink: Cucurire solet Gallus : gallina gracillat: / Pupillat Pavo:trinsit hirundo vaga.

About this work

Overview

This watercolor and gold paint work on parchment, created around 1594, is attributed to Joris Hoefnagel, a Flemish artist known for his detailed natural history illustrations.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts two gray chickens with curly feathers standing on grass, with a branch bearing leaves and fruit above them. The chickens' interaction is captured in a moment of gentle confrontation, with one facing the other and the second looking away.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolor and gold paint, the work showcases Hoefnagel's blend of observational detail and decorative artistry, characteristic of his contributions to the development of still-life and natural history illustration genres in northern Europe.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1594, the work reflects Hoefnagel's practice of documenting flora and fauna with precision, integrating them into the ornate traditions of manuscript illumination.