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Artwork

Plate 38: Merganser with Two Other Waterfowl and a Garland of Melons and Gourds

Joris Hoefnagel , 1594

Plate 38: Merganser with Two Other Waterfowl and a Garland of Melons and Gourds, by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594
Plate 38: Merganser with Two Other Waterfowl and a Garland of Melons and Gourds, by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594

Plate 38: Merganser with Two Other Waterfowl and a Garland of Melons and Gourds 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:Center right in (gold?): XXXVIII; birds in image numbered .1., .2., and .3., in red ink Facing page: Upper center in red/violet ink: Qui nititur mendaciis, hic pascit ventos: Idem / autem ipse sequitur aves volantes pro:10. (“He that trusts to lies feeds the winds; and the same runs after birds that fly away.” Proverbs 10:4) (Latin Vulgate Bible); lower center in black/blue ink: Quando praeparabat Coelos ego sapientia aderam: / Quando certa lege et gyro vallabat Abyssos: qua[n]do / Aethera firmabat sursum et librabat fontes aquarum / pro:8: (“When he prepared the heavens I was present, when with a certain law and compass he enclosed the depths; when he established the sky above, and poised the fountains of waters.” Proverbs 8:27-28) (Latin Vulgate Bible)

About this work

Overview

Plate 38: Merganser with Two Other Waterfowl and a Garland of Melons and Gourds is a watercolor and gold paint work on parchment created by Joris Hoefnagel around 1594.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts three waterfowl swimming in calm water near land, accompanied by a surreal garland of melons, gourds, and leaves floating above them. The juxtaposition of the naturalistic birds with the fantastical garland creates a sense of contrast.

Technique & Style

Hoefnagel's use of watercolor and gold paint achieves a high level of detail and color nuance, blending scientific observation with decorative artistry. The work showcases his skill in building up colors through techniques such as glazing.

Context

As a Flemish artist and one of the last manuscript illuminators, Hoefnagel's work contributed to the development of floral still-life painting in northern Europe, combining natural studies with ornamental design.

Plate 39: A Scaup with Two Other Waterfowl beneath a Garland of Produce
Plate 39: A Scaup with Two Other Waterfowl beneath a Garland of Produce, 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.

MORE BY JORIS HOEFNAGEL

SAME SUBJECT

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of National Gallery of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Plate 38: Merganser with Two Other Waterfowl and a Garland of Melons and Gourds?

Plate 38: Merganser with Two Other Waterfowl and a Garland of Melons and Gourds was painted by Joris Hoefnagel in 1594.

Where can I see Plate 38: Merganser with Two Other Waterfowl and a Garland of Melons and Gourds?

Plate 38: Merganser with Two Other Waterfowl and a Garland of Melons and Gourds is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Plate 38: Merganser with Two Other Waterfowl and a Garland of Melons and Gourds?

Plate 38: Merganser with Two Other Waterfowl and a Garland of Melons and Gourds is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Plate 38: Merganser with Two Other Waterfowl and a Garland of Melons and Gourds?

Museum-quality prints of Plate 38: Merganser with Two Other Waterfowl and a Garland of Melons and Gourds are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.