Artwork

Plate 4: Four Salmon

Plate 4: Four Salmon, by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594
Plate 4: Four Salmon, by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594

Plate 4: Four Salmon 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., and .4.; center right in brown ink: IV. Facing page: upper center in blue ink: Namq[ue] solent grossi pisces, mangiare minutos. macaro.; lower center in black ink: Grandibus exigui sunt Pisces Pissibus esca.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1594, Plate 4: Four Salmon is a watercolor and gold paint drawing on parchment attributed to Joris Hoefnagel, a Flemish artist noted for natural history and topographical works.

Subject & Meaning

The piece depicts four salmon, showcasing Hoefnagel's meticulous approach to natural subjects, where scientific accuracy converges with artistic refinement.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolor and gold paint on parchment, the work exemplifies Hoefnagel's skill as one of the last manuscript illuminators, bridging traditional techniques with emerging floral still-life tendencies in northern Europe.

History & Provenance

Dating to around 1594, the artwork is part of Hoefnagel's late 16th-century output, contributing to the development of floral still-life painting in northern Europe during this period.

Legacy

Plate 4: Four Salmon reflects Hoefnagel's influence on the rise of natural history illustration and floral still-life painting, highlighting his blend of observation and artistry.

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.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Plate 4: Four Salmon?

Plate 4: Four Salmon was painted by Joris Hoefnagel in 1594.

Where can I see Plate 4: Four Salmon?

Plate 4: Four Salmon is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Plate 4: Four Salmon?

Plate 4: Four Salmon is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Plate 4: Four Salmon?

Museum-quality prints of Plate 4: Four Salmon are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.