Who painted Plate 5: Three Catfish, a Salmon, and Two Other Fish?

Plate 5: Three Catfish, a Salmon, and Two Other Fish was painted by Joris Hoefnagel in 1594.

Where can I see Plate 5: Three Catfish, a Salmon, and Two Other Fish?

Plate 5: Three Catfish, a Salmon, and Two Other Fish is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Plate 5: Three Catfish, a Salmon, and Two Other Fish?

Plate 5: Three Catfish, a Salmon, and Two Other Fish is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Plate 5: Three Catfish, a Salmon, and Two Other Fish?

Museum-quality prints of Plate 5: Three Catfish, a Salmon, and Two Other Fish are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Plate 5: Three Catfish, a Salmon, and Two Other Fish

Joris Hoefnagel , 1594

Plate 5: Three Catfish, a Salmon, and Two Other 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., and .6. in red ink; center right in (gold?): V. Facing page: upper center in red ink: MARE vidit Dominum, et fugit: Iordanis / Conversus est retrorsum ps:113. (“The sea saw, Lord, and fled: Jordan was turned back.” Psalms 113:3) (Latin Vulgate Bible); lower center in black ink: Salvum me fac Deus, quoniam veni in altitudine[m] / MARIS, et tempestas demersit me.ps:68: (“Save me, O God, for I am come into the depth of the sea; and a tempest has overwhelmed me.” Psalms 68:2 and 3) (Latin Vulgate Bible)

About this work

Overview

Plate 5: Three Catfish, a Salmon, and Two Other Fish is a watercolor and gold paint work on parchment created by Joris Hoefnagel around 1594. It exemplifies the artist's skill in natural history illustration and manuscript illumination.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts six fish in a light blue background, each carefully rendered with distinct shapes and colors. Tiny red numbers label the fish, suggesting a scientific or educational intent behind the illustration.

Technique & Style

Hoefnagel's detailed approach blends scientific observation with artistic skill. The use of watercolor and gold paint on parchment is characteristic of manuscript illumination, while the gold border framing the scene adds a decorative element.

Context

As one of the last manuscript illuminators, Hoefnagel's work contributed to the development of topographical drawing and the emergence of floral still-life painting in northern Europe.