Artwork

Plate 35: Female Green-Winged Teal, Red-Breasted Merganser(?), Sparrow, and a Greenfinch(?)

Plate 35: Female Green-Winged Teal, Red-Breasted Merganser(?), Sparrow, and a Greenfinch(?) 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 35: Female Green-Winged Teal, Red-Breasted Merganser(?

Inscription: Inscribed:Upper center in red/violet ink: Saturabuntur ligna campi, et cedri libani quas / Plantavit. Illic PASSERES nidificabunt ps.103. (“The trees of the field shall be filled, and the cedars of Libanus, which he has planted / There the sparrows shall make their nests.” Psalms 103:16-17) (Latin Vulgate Bible); center right in (gold?): XXXV.; birds in image numbered .1., .2., .3., and .4., in red ink; lower center in (gold?): Etenim passer invenit sibi domum: Et Turtur / Nidum sibi ubi ponat pullos suos.ps.85. (“The sparrow has found herself a house, and the turtle dove a nest where she may lay her young ones.” Psalms 83:4) (Latin Vulgate Bible) Facing page: Upper center in black ink: Annunciaverunt Coeli Iustitiam eius: Et / Viderunt omnes populi gloriam eius.ps:96. (“The heavens declare his righteousness and all the people see his glory.” Psalms 96:6) (Latin Vulgate Bible); lower center in black ink: Glotorat immenso de turre Ciconia rostro: / Pessimus at Passer iustia flendo pipit.

About this work

Overview

Plate 35: Female Green-Winged Teal, Red-Breasted Merganser(?), Sparrow, and a Greenfinch(?) is a watercolor and gold paint work on parchment created by Joris Hoefnagel around 1594. It exemplifies the artist's skill in natural history illustration and manuscript illumination.

Technique & Style

The work showcases Hoefnagel's precise rendering of birds and foliage, characteristic of his nearly scientific approach to nature illustration. The use of watercolor and gold paint on parchment reflects a technique common in manuscript illumination during the late 16th century.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts four birds, identified as a Female Green-Winged Teal, a possible Red-Breasted Merganser, a Sparrow, and a possible Greenfinch. The detailed representation of the birds and surrounding foliage highlights Hoefnagel's focus on naturalistic accuracy.

Context

Created during the Renaissance, the work reflects the period's growing interest in nature and detailed representation. It contributes to the development of topographical and still-life genres in northern Europe.