Who painted Plate 3: Two Hawks?

Plate 3: Two Hawks was painted by Joris Hoefnagel in 1594.

Where can I see Plate 3: Two Hawks?

Plate 3: Two Hawks is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Plate 3: Two Hawks?

Plate 3: Two Hawks is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Plate 3: Two Hawks?

Museum-quality prints of Plate 3: Two Hawks are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Plate 3: Two Hawks

Joris Hoefnagel , 1594

Plate 3: Two Hawks 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 black ink: VBICVNQVE FVERIT CORPVS IBI CO[N]GREGABV[N]TVR AQVILAE. (“Wheresoever the body shall be, there shall the eagles also be gathered together.” Matthew 24:28) (Latin Vulgate Bible); center right in (gold?): .III.; birds in image numbered .1. and .2., in red ink; lower center in violet ink: Tria sunt difficilia mihi, et quartum penitus I[g]noro: Viam / AQVILAE in Caelo: viam Colubri super terram: viam navis / In medio maris: Et viam viri In Adolescentia. Proverb.30. (“Three things are hard to me, and the fourth I am utterly ignorant of. The way of an eagle in the air, The way of a serpent on a rock, The way of a ship in the middle of the sea, And the way of a man in youth.” Proverbs 30:18-19) (Latin Vulgate Bible) Facing page: Upper center in black ink: sed carmina tantum / Nostra valent, Lycida, tela Inter Martia qua[n]tum / CSaonias dicunt Aquilae veniente columbas.; lower center in black ink: Dum Clangunt Aquilae: Vultur pulpareprobatur: / Et crocitat corvus: graculus at frigulat.

About this work

Overview

Plate 3: Two Hawks is a watercolor and gold paint drawing on parchment created by Flemish artist Joris Hoefnagel around 1594. Characterized by meticulous detail, it exemplifies his contribution to natural history illustration and the emerging floral still-life tradition in late 16th-century northern Europe.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts two hawks in a nest, surrounded by foliage. One hawk faces left with brown and black plumage, while the other, with a darker, glossy coat, faces right. The composition reflects Hoefnagel's scientific approach to natural subjects, emphasizing precision and observation.

Technique & Style

Hoefnagel employed watercolor and gold paint on parchment, techniques reminiscent of manuscript illumination. The soft gold background, intricate details, and Latin text framing the image highlight the work's formal, precise quality, indicating it was crafted for durability and aesthetic appeal.

History & Provenance

As one of the last manuscript illuminators, Hoefnagel's work bridges traditional illumination and the rising trends in natural history art. Created in 1594, Plate 3: Two Hawks is part of his later output, showcasing his enduring influence on northern European artistic developments.

Context

The use of Latin text and the emphasis on scientific detail place the work within the realm of Renaissance natural history and scholarly illustration. Its style and medium also reflect the transitional period from medieval manuscript art to early modern naturalistic painting.