Who painted Plate 42: Nine Fish?

Plate 42: Nine Fish was painted by Joris Hoefnagel in 1594.

Where can I see Plate 42: Nine Fish?

Plate 42: Nine Fish is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Plate 42: Nine Fish?

Plate 42: Nine Fish is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Plate 42: Nine Fish?

Museum-quality prints of Plate 42: Nine Fish are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Plate 42: Nine Fish

Joris Hoefnagel , 1594

Plate 42: Nine Fish 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., .5., .6., .7., .8., and .9., in red ink; center right in (gold?): XXXXII. Facing page: upper center in blue ink: Saucius arrepto, piscis retinetur ab hamo.; lower center in red/violet ink: Flumina plaudent manu simul: montes exultabunt / a Conspectu dei ps:97. (“The rivers shall clap their hands, the mountains shall rejoice together at the presence of the Lord” Psalms 97:8 and 9) (Latin Vulgate Bible)

About this work

Overview

Plate 42: Nine Fish is a watercolor and gold paint drawing on parchment created by Joris Hoefnagel around 1594. It is a representative work of the artist's detailed and scientific approach to natural subjects.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts nine fish of varying colors and sizes within a light blue circular frame, numbered in red. The arrangement suggests a scientific or cataloging purpose, reflecting Hoefnagel's background in natural history illustration.

Technique & Style

Hoefnagel's use of watercolor and gold paint on parchment gives the work a luxurious and antiquated appearance. The fish are rendered with careful attention to detail, showcasing the artist's skill as a miniaturist and his contribution to the development of detailed natural history illustrations.

Context

As one of the last manuscript illuminators, Hoefnagel's work on Plate 42: Nine Fish is associated with the emergence of floral still-life painting in northern Europe, demonstrating his influence on the genre.