Artwork

Plate 36: Five Fish, Including Carp(?)

Plate 36: Five Fish, Including Carp(?), by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594
Plate 36: Five Fish, Including Carp(?), by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594

Plate 36: Five Fish, Including Carp(?) 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:Fish in image numbered .1., .2., .3., .4., and .5., in red ink: center right in brown ink: XXXVI. Facing page: upper center in black ink: Laneus Engani Lupus excipit ora Timani: / Aequoreo dulces cum sale pastus aquas.; lower center in red/violet ink: Vertitur in teneram Cariem rimisq[ue] debiscit: / Si qua diu solitis, cymba vacavit AQVIS.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1594 by Joris Hoefnagel, a Flemish artist, Plate 36: Five Fish, Including Carp(?) is a watercolor and gold paint drawing on parchment, exemplifying the artist's blend of artistic and scientific skills in natural history illustration.

Subject & Meaning

The piece depicts five diverse fish in a serene, shallow pool with a sandy bottom, showcasing Hoefnagel's detailed observation of natural subjects. The species are rendered with varied colors and patterns, one notably having dark spots and a long tail.

Technique & Style

Hoefnagel employed watercolor for the fish and their environment, achieving lifelike detail. A gold circle frames the scene against a light background, adding a luxurious element. The use of glazing techniques likely contributed to the depth and vibrancy of the colors.

History & Provenance

As one of the last manuscript illuminators, Hoefnagel's work influenced the development of topographical drawing and floral still-life in northern Europe. This piece specifically highlights his contribution to natural history illustration.

Context

Plate 36 reflects the late 16th-century interest in detailed natural observation, bridging artistic expression and scientific documentation, characteristic of the period's scholarly and artistic pursuits.

Legacy

Through works like Plate 36, Hoefnagel played a role in transitioning from manuscript illumination to independent genres like floral still-life, impacting the evolution of northern European art.

Plate 5: Three Catfish, a Salmon, and Two Other Fish
Plate 5: Three Catfish, a Salmon, and Two Other Fish, Joris Hoefnagel

Artist & collection

Portrait of Joris Hoefnagel

Artist

Joris Hoefnagel

Joris Hoefnagel or Georg Hoefnagel (1542 – 24 July 1601) was a Flemish painter, printmaker, miniaturist, draftsman and merchant.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Plate 36: Five Fish, Including Carp(?)?

Plate 36: Five Fish, Including Carp(?) was painted by Joris Hoefnagel in 1594.

Where can I see Plate 36: Five Fish, Including Carp(?)?

Plate 36: Five Fish, Including Carp(?) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Plate 36: Five Fish, Including Carp(?)?

Plate 36: Five Fish, Including Carp(?) is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Plate 36: Five Fish, Including Carp(?)?

Museum-quality prints of Plate 36: Five Fish, Including Carp(?) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.