Artwork

Plate 38: Two Small Dogs with a Crown Imperial

Plate 38: Two Small Dogs with a Crown Imperial, by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594
Plate 38: Two Small Dogs with a Crown Imperial, by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594

Plate 38: Two Small Dogs with a Crown Imperial 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: LVPVS LVPINA[M] NON EST NEC CANIS CANINAM.; center right in (gold?): XXXVIII.; upper center of image on either side of plant in (gold?): CORONA IMPERIALIS.; animals in image numbered .1. and .2., in red ink; lower center in brown ink: Non ita difficile est, natura cum sit amicus, / Conciliare tibi Catulum, custodia fida: / Inconcussus amor canis est per tempora multa Facing page: upper center in brown ink: Iubilate Domino omnis Terra / cantate, exultate, et psallite.ps.97.(“Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; make melody, rejoice and sing.” Psalms 97:4) (Latin Vulgate Bible); lower center in brown ink: Rite Canis latrat: fallax vulpecula gannit / Glancitat et Catulus: et lepores vagiunt.

About this work

Overview

Plate 38: Two Small Dogs with a Crown Imperial is a watercolor and gold paint drawing on parchment created by Joris Hoefnagel around 1594. This work exemplifies Hoefnagel's contribution to the intersection of natural history illustration and decorative art.

Subject & Meaning

The piece features two small dogs alongside a Crown Imperial, reflecting Hoefnagel's meticulous study of flora and fauna. It blends detailed observation of nature with ornamental elements, characteristic of his style.

Technique & Style

Hoefnagel employed watercolor and gold paint on parchment, a technique common in manuscript illumination. His precise and decorative approach marks him as one of the last prominent manuscript illuminators.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1594, the work is now part of the collection at The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., providing insight into Renaissance-era artistic practices.

Context

This piece was produced during the Renaissance, a time of resurgence in natural history studies and artistic innovation. It contributes to the early development of floral still-life painting in northern Europe.

Legacy

Plate 38 reflects Hoefnagel's influence on the blending of natural history illustration with decorative arts, leaving a legacy in the evolution of botanical and fauna-themed artworks in northern Europe.

Plate 37: Two Spaniels with a Gourd
Plate 37: Two Spaniels with a Gourd, 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 38: Two Small Dogs with a Crown Imperial?

Plate 38: Two Small Dogs with a Crown Imperial was painted by Joris Hoefnagel in 1594.

Where can I see Plate 38: Two Small Dogs with a Crown Imperial?

Plate 38: Two Small Dogs with a Crown Imperial is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Plate 38: Two Small Dogs with a Crown Imperial?

Plate 38: Two Small Dogs with a Crown Imperial is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Plate 38: Two Small Dogs with a Crown Imperial?

Museum-quality prints of Plate 38: Two Small Dogs with a Crown Imperial are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.