Who painted Plate 20: Sea Bream, Dentex, Sargo, and Other Fish?

Plate 20: Sea Bream, Dentex, Sargo, and Other Fish was painted by Joris Hoefnagel in 1594.

Where can I see Plate 20: Sea Bream, Dentex, Sargo, and Other Fish?

Plate 20: Sea Bream, Dentex, Sargo, and Other Fish is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Plate 20: Sea Bream, Dentex, Sargo, and Other Fish?

Plate 20: Sea Bream, Dentex, Sargo, and Other Fish is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Plate 20: Sea Bream, Dentex, Sargo, and Other Fish?

Museum-quality prints of Plate 20: Sea Bream, Dentex, Sargo, and Other Fish are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Plate 20: Sea Bream, Dentex, Sargo, and Other Fish

Joris Hoefnagel , 1594

Plate 20: Sea Bream, Dentex, Sargo, 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.

Inscription: Inscribed:Fish in image numbered .1., .2., .3., .4., 5., .6., and .7. in red ink; center right in (gold?): XX. Facing page: upper center in black ink: Insignis Sargusq[ue] notis, insignis et alis.; lower center in red/violet ink: Convertit aquas impiorum in sanguinem / et occidit pisces eorum. ps: 104. (“He turned the waters of the impious into blood and destroyed their fish.” Psalms 104:29) (Latin Vulgate Bible)

About this work

Overview

Plate 20: Sea Bream, Dentex, Sargo, and Other Fish is a watercolor and gold paint work on parchment created by Joris Hoefnagel around 1594. It exemplifies the artist's skill in naturalistic depiction and his background in manuscript illumination.

Subject & Meaning

The work is a detailed representation of seven fish species arranged in a circular composition, set against a light blue background with darker blue waves. The arrangement and level of detail reflect the era's interest in scientific illustration and natural history.

Technique & Style

Hoefnagel's use of watercolor and gold paint on parchment showcases his mastery of techniques associated with manuscript illumination. The painting's intricate textures and patterns on the fish demonstrate his skill in rendering detail and his use of glazing.

Context

Created during a period when naturalistic scientific illustration was gaining prominence, this work contributes to the development of floral and still-life painting in northern Europe, a genre that would become increasingly popular in the following centuries.