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Artwork

Plate 51: Murex Mollusks, Shells, Hermit Crabs, a Slug, Insects, and Other Sea Life

Joris Hoefnagel , 1594

Plate 51: Murex Mollusks, Shells, Hermit Crabs, a Slug, Insects, and Other Sea Life, by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594
Plate 51: Murex Mollusks, Shells, Hermit Crabs, a Slug, Insects, and Other Sea Life, by Joris Hoefnagel, gouache, 1594

Plate 51: Murex Mollusks, Shells, Hermit Crabs, a Slug, Insects, and Other Sea Life 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 violet ink: PVRPVRA IVXTA PVRPVRA[M] DIIVDICANDA.; creatures in image numbered .1., .2., .3., .4., .5., .6., .7., 8, .9., .10., .11., .12., .13., .14., .14., .16., and .17., in red ink; center right in brown ink: LI.; lower center in (gold?): Sanguine de nostro Tinctas ingrate lacertas / Iuduis, et non est hoc satis, esca sumus. / .3. Facing page: upper center in blue ink: Foris albo utitur pallio, intus autem / totus est purpureus.; lower center in blue ink: In purpura, atq[ue] auro implicatur servitus.

About this work

Overview

This intricate drawing on parchment, created around 1594, showcases a diverse array of marine life and shells. Executed in watercolor and gold paint, it exemplifies the artist's skill in natural history illustration.

Subject & Meaning

The work features a circular arrangement of sea creatures, including mollusks, hermit crabs, and insects, with some specimens labeled with numbers. The title 'Murex Mollusks' and the labeling suggest a scientific or observational intent, potentially referencing the murex snail, a source of purple dye.

Technique & Style

The artist employed watercolor and gold paint to achieve a delicate, layered effect. The use of glazing techniques likely contributed to the soft, nuanced colors, while gold paint added decorative accents and defined the circular composition.

History & Provenance

Created by Joris Hoefnagel, a Flemish artist known for his natural history illustrations and topographical views, this work represents a transitional phase between manuscript illumination and the emergence of still-life painting in northern Europe.

Plate 52: An Argonaut, Squid, Hermit Crabs, Shells, and a Crab
Plate 52: An Argonaut, Squid, Hermit Crabs, Shells, and a Crab, 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.

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of National Gallery of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Plate 51: Murex Mollusks, Shells, Hermit Crabs, a Slug, Insects, and Other Sea Life?

Plate 51: Murex Mollusks, Shells, Hermit Crabs, a Slug, Insects, and Other Sea Life was painted by Joris Hoefnagel in 1594.

Where can I see Plate 51: Murex Mollusks, Shells, Hermit Crabs, a Slug, Insects, and Other Sea Life?

Plate 51: Murex Mollusks, Shells, Hermit Crabs, a Slug, Insects, and Other Sea Life is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Plate 51: Murex Mollusks, Shells, Hermit Crabs, a Slug, Insects, and Other Sea Life?

Plate 51: Murex Mollusks, Shells, Hermit Crabs, a Slug, Insects, and Other Sea Life is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Plate 51: Murex Mollusks, Shells, Hermit Crabs, a Slug, Insects, and Other Sea Life?

Museum-quality prints of Plate 51: Murex Mollusks, Shells, Hermit Crabs, a Slug, Insects, and Other Sea Life are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.