Can I buy a print of Plate 27: A Cross Fox, a Hyena/Baboon, a "Sea Wolf," and a Gulon (Wolverine?)?

Museum-quality prints of Plate 27: A Cross Fox, a Hyena/Baboon, a "Sea Wolf," and a Gulon (Wolverine?) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Plate 27: A Cross Fox, a Hyena/Baboon, a "Sea Wolf," and a Gulon (Wolverine?)

Joris Hoefnagel , 1594

Plate 27: A Cross Fox, a Hyena/Baboon, a "Sea Wolf," and a Gulon (Wolverine?) 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. Plate 27: A Cross Fox, a Hyena/Baboon, a 'Sea Wolf,' and a Gulon (Wolverine?

Inscription: Inscribed:upper center in black ink: Quo non protrabitur pellis robusta Leonis / Est vulpis iungenda: facit solertia vires.; upper center in violet ink: CAVDA DE VVLPE TESTATVR. (“A fox is given away by his tail.” Erasmus, _Adages_, 1.9.35) (trans. Bass 2019, 207); center right in black ink: XXVII.; animals in image numbered .1., .2., .3., and .4.; banderole/scroll at left in image in red ink: cu[m] vulpe vulpina[m] dum.; lower center in (gold?): ANNOSA VVLPES HAVD CAPITVR LAQVEO. Facing page: upper center in red ink: Omnis caro sicut foenum verterascet: et sicut FOLIVM / fructificans in arbore viridi.Ecc[es]:14. (“All flesh shall fade as grass, and as the leaf that springs out on a green tree.” Ecclesiasticus 14:18) (Latin Vulgate Bible); middle center in black ink: Subdola, saeva, rapax, Inventrix mille malorum / Corpore quot pili, totidem sunt pectore fraudes.; lower center in brown ink: Dum lynces orcando fremunt: ursus f[a]erus uncat: Ast Lupus ipse ululat: frendet agrestis aper.

About this work

Overview

Plate 27: A Cross Fox, a Hyena/Baboon, a 'Sea Wolf,' and a Gulon (Wolverine?) is a watercolor and gold paint drawing on parchment created by Joris Hoefnagel around 1594. It showcases the artist's skill in blending naturalistic observation with artistic detail.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts four animals in a small scene: a red fox, a monkey-like creature, a wolverine, and a hyena-like animal. The composition may suggest a narrative, with the animals' gazes drawn to an apple except for the fox, potentially hinting at a story or symbolism.

Technique & Style

Hoefnagel employed watercolor and gold paint to achieve a detailed, layered effect. The use of glazing techniques allowed for the build-up of colors, contributing to the work's visual richness. The gold paint framing the scene adds to its ornate quality.

History & Provenance

Joris Hoefnagel, a Flemish artist trained as a painter, printmaker, and draftsman, was instrumental in the transition from illuminated manuscripts to detailed naturalistic studies. His work reflects a blend of artistic skill and observational precision, characteristic of his contributions to natural history illustration.