Artwork

Plate 49: Gulls with a Carob Tree and a Pistachio Tree(?)

Plate 49: Gulls with a Carob Tree and a Pistachio Tree(?), by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594
Plate 49: Gulls with a Carob Tree and a Pistachio Tree(?), by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594

Plate 49: Gulls with a Carob Tree and a Pistachio Tree(?) 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. Plate 49: Gulls with a Carob Tree and a Pistachio Tree(?

Inscription
Inscribed:Upper center in (gold?): LARVS PARTVRIT.; center right in (gold?): XXXXIX.; birds in image numbered .1., .2., .3., .4., and .5., in red ink; trees in image numbered .6. and .7., in red ink; lower center in violet ink: LARVS HIAT. Facing page: Upper center in red ink: Omne adeo genus In terris hominumq[ue] ferarumq[ue], / Et genus Aequoreum, pecudes, pict[a]eq[ue] volucres / In furias, ignemq[ue] ruunt: Amor omnibus idem.

About this work

Overview

Plate 49: Gulls with a Carob Tree and a Pistachio Tree(?) is a watercolor and gold paint work on parchment created by Joris Hoefnagel around 1594. It exemplifies the artist's skill in manuscript illumination, blending natural observation with decorative elements.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts five gulls near water, framed by two trees with distinct foliage. Latin inscriptions identify the birds as 'Larus partvirt' and 'Larus hiat', likely referring to specific gull species. The scene combines detailed natural observation with elegant design.

Technique & Style

Hoefnagel's use of watercolor and gold paint achieves a detailed and refined effect. Gold highlights the edges of elements, adding to the work's ornate quality. The artist's technique reflects his contribution to the development of floral still-life painting in northern Europe.

Plate 68: A Ptarmigan, Swallows, and Other Birds
Plate 68: A Ptarmigan, Swallows, and Other Birds, 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 49: Gulls with a Carob Tree and a Pistachio Tree(?)?

Plate 49: Gulls with a Carob Tree and a Pistachio Tree(?) was painted by Joris Hoefnagel in 1594.

Where can I see Plate 49: Gulls with a Carob Tree and a Pistachio Tree(?)?

Plate 49: Gulls with a Carob Tree and a Pistachio Tree(?) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Plate 49: Gulls with a Carob Tree and a Pistachio Tree(?)?

Plate 49: Gulls with a Carob Tree and a Pistachio Tree(?) is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Plate 49: Gulls with a Carob Tree and a Pistachio Tree(?)?

Museum-quality prints of Plate 49: Gulls with a Carob Tree and a Pistachio Tree(?) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.