Who painted Plate 3: A Walrus, a Nine-Legged Octopus, and Ocean Sunfish?

Plate 3: A Walrus, a Nine-Legged Octopus, and Ocean Sunfish was painted by Joris Hoefnagel in 1594.

Where can I see Plate 3: A Walrus, a Nine-Legged Octopus, and Ocean Sunfish?

Plate 3: A Walrus, a Nine-Legged Octopus, and Ocean Sunfish is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Plate 3: A Walrus, a Nine-Legged Octopus, and Ocean Sunfish?

Plate 3: A Walrus, a Nine-Legged Octopus, and Ocean Sunfish is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Plate 3: A Walrus, a Nine-Legged Octopus, and Ocean Sunfish?

Museum-quality prints of Plate 3: A Walrus, a Nine-Legged Octopus, and Ocean Sunfish are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Plate 3: A Walrus, a Nine-Legged Octopus, and Ocean Sunfish

Joris Hoefnagel , 1594

Plate 3: A Walrus, a Nine-Legged Octopus, and Ocean Sunfish 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 (gold?): BIS SEPTEM PLAGIS POLYPVS CO[N]TVSVS. (“An octopus crushed with fourteen blows.” Erasmus, _Adages_, 2.5.99) (trans. Bass 2019, 216); creatures in image numbered .1., .2., .3., and .4. in red ink; center right in (gold?): III.; lower center in red ink: POLYPI MENS. (“The mind of the polyp.” Erasmus, _Adages_, 1.193) (trans. Bass 2019, 216) Facing page: upper center in black ink: Tu confirmasti in virtute tua mare: Contribulasti / Capita DRACONVM in aquis ps 76: (“You by your strength did make the sea firm: you did crush the heads of the dragons in the waters.” Psalms 73:13) (Latin Vulgate Bible); lower center in black ink: Omne solum forti patria est ut piscibus aequor: / Vt volucri nitido, quicquid in orbe patet. (“Every land is to the brave their country, as to fish the sea, as to the bird whatever place stands open in the void world.” Ovid, _Fasti_, 1.493-94) (trans. Bass 2019, 217)

About this work

Overview

Plate 3: A Walrus, a Nine-Legged Octopus, and Ocean Sunfish is a watercolor and gold paint drawing on parchment created by Joris Hoefnagel around 1594. It exemplifies the artist's meticulous approach to natural history illustration.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts an underwater scene featuring a walrus, an octopus with an unusual number of legs, and two fish. The Latin inscription 'The polypus struck seven times' suggests a blend of real and fantastical creatures, leaving interpretation open to the viewer.

Technique & Style

Hoefnagel employed watercolor and gold paint to achieve a detailed and ornate effect. The use of glazing allowed for layered color buildup, contributing to the work's precision and decorative quality.

Context

As a leading manuscript illuminator, Hoefnagel's work influenced the development of topographical drawing and floral still-life painting in northern Europe. This drawing reflects his contribution to the evolution of natural history illustration.