1594
gouache
vellum
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
Plate 29: Geese with Poppies and a Cyclamen is a 1594 gouache by Joris Hoefnagel, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This painting shows two geese in a small pond. One stands on the bank, its feathers gray and black, while the other swims, its chest a warm brown. Around them, bright red poppies and green plants grow near the water’s edge, with a few yellow flowers on the right. The background is simple, letting the birds and plants stand out clearly. The gold border and careful details suggest this was made as a study of nature. The artist used soft colors and gentle lines to show the birds and flowers realistically. Next, check out watercolor, glazing to see how this technique creates such smooth colors.
Joris Hoefnagel or Georg Hoefnagel (1542 – 24 July 1601) was a Flemish painter, printmaker, miniaturist, draftsman and merchant.
See the richer artist page
