Artwork

Plate 25: Great Spotted Woodpecker, Bullfinches, Sparrows, and Other Birds

Plate 25: Great Spotted Woodpecker, Bullfinches, Sparrows, and Other Birds 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 brown ink: Omnibus est ulciscendi sua damna Cupido. / Sed nimium faciles, et credula turba volucres.; center right in (gold?): XXV.; some of the birds in image numbered 1 through 4, in black ink Facing page: Upper center in black ink: Secundum altitudinem COELI a terra Corroberavit / misericordiam suam super timentes se ps: 102. (“For according to the height of the heaven above the earth, he has strengthened his mercy towards them that fear him.” Psalms 102:11) (Latin Vulgate Bible); lower center in red/violet ink: NUBES et ventus, et Pluviae non Sequentes, Vir / gloriosus et promissa non Complens: pro 25. (“As clouds and wind, when no rain follows, so is the man that boasts and does not fulfill his promises.” Proverbs 25:14) (Latin Vulgate Bible)

About this work

Overview

This watercolor and gold paint work on parchment, Plate 25: Great Spotted Woodpecker, Bullfinches, Sparrows, and Other Birds, was created by Joris Hoefnagel around 1594.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolor and gold paint on parchment, the work showcases Hoefnagel's skill in naturalistic illustration, characteristic of his contributions to the development of independent genres like floral still-life painting in northern Europe.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing presents a detailed study of various bird species, highlighting Hoefnagel's interest in natural history and his ability to capture the intricacies of the natural world.