Who painted Plate 26: A Red Fox and a Wolf?

Plate 26: A Red Fox and a Wolf was painted by Joris Hoefnagel in 1594.

Where can I see Plate 26: A Red Fox and a Wolf?

Plate 26: A Red Fox and a Wolf is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Plate 26: A Red Fox and a Wolf?

Plate 26: A Red Fox and a Wolf is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Plate 26: A Red Fox and a Wolf?

Museum-quality prints of Plate 26: A Red Fox and a Wolf are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Plate 26: A Red Fox and a Wolf

Joris Hoefnagel , 1594

Plate 26: A Red Fox and a Wolf 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: I nunc et mitis, simplex innoxius esto / ut citius fias avidorum praeda LVPORVM.; upper center in black ink: NVNQVAM TE FALLA[N]T ANIMI SVB VVLPE LATENTES.; center right in black ink: XXVI.; animals in image numbered .1. and .2., in red ink; tree in image numbered .3., in red ink; banner in upper right of image in (gold?): HOMO HOMINI / LVPVS.; lower center in red ink: FVRE[M]QVE FVR COGNOSCIT, ET LVPVM LVPVS.; lower center in black ink: Lupus est homini homo, non homo, cum qualis sit non nonit. Facing page: upper center in (gold?): Si Leonina pellis non satis est vulpina est addenda: / Dolus, an virtus, quis in hoste requirat?; lower center in brown ink: Lupus pilum mutat, non mentem: / Quem auribus tenere, periculosum.

About this work

Overview

Plate 26: A Red Fox and a Wolf is a watercolor and gold paint drawing on parchment created by Joris Hoefnagel around 1594. It exemplifies the artist's expertise in natural history illustration and manuscript illumination.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a red fox and a wolf on a grassy hill, with a tree trunk and branch in the background. The animals face each other, their tails hanging down, and the wolf's mouth is open. The scene is rendered against a light beige background.

Technique & Style

Hoefnagel's use of watercolor and gold paint on parchment achieves a delicate, precise effect. Intricate details and textures are visible in the fur and foliage, showcasing the artist's skill in blending scientific observation with artistic precision.

Context

As a Flemish artist and one of the last manuscript illuminators, Hoefnagel's work contributed to the development of floral still-life painting in northern Europe. His detailed studies of flora and fauna reflect his broader contributions to manuscript illumination and ornamental design.