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Artwork

Plate 51: Two Sand Lizards, a Common Parsley Frog(?), and a Caterpillar

Joris Hoefnagel , 1594

Plate 51: Two Sand Lizards, a Common Parsley Frog(?), and a Caterpillar 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 51: Two Sand Lizards, a Common Parsley Frog(?

Inscription: Inscribed:upper center in black ink: Necdum Montes gravi mole constiterant, ante Colles / Ego Sapientia parturiebar: Adhuc TERRAM non fecerat / Et flumina, et cardines orbis terrae.pro.8. (“The mountains with their huge bulk had not as yet been established, before the hills I [wisdom] was brought forth: he had not yet made the earth, nor the rivers, nor the poles of the world.” Proverbs 8:25-26) (Latin Vulgate Bible); right center in (gold?): LI. Facing page: upper center in brown ink: Priusquam MONTES fierent, et crearetur terra, et orbis: / A seculo et usq[ue] in seculum tu es DEVS ps:89 (“Before the mountains were brought forth or ever you had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.” Psalms 89:2) (Latin Vulgate Bible); lower center in red/violet ink: TERRA mota est: Etenim Coeli distillaverunt a facie / Domini DEI sinai. Ps: 67. (“The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of the God of Sinai.” Psalms 67:9) (Latin Vulgate Bible)

About this work

Overview

Plate 51: Two Sand Lizards, a Common Parsley Frog(?), and a Caterpillar is a watercolor and gold paint drawing on parchment, created by Flemish artist Joris Hoefnagel around 1594. This intricate piece showcases Hoefnagel's characteristic blend of scientific observation and decorative flair.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a naturalistic scene within a circular frame, featuring two sand lizards entwined around a tree branch, a possibly misidentified Common Parsley Frog on the ground, and a caterpillar on a leaf. The composition highlights Hoefnagel's attention to the interaction between flora and fauna.

Technique & Style

Hoefnagel employed watercolor and gold paint on parchment to achieve a delicate, detailed effect. The strategic use of gold paint accents the texture of the lizard's scales and the tree's bark, enhancing the visual depth and ornateness of the piece.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1594, this work is part of Hoefnagel's contributions to the evolution of topographical drawing and early floral still-life painting in northern Europe. His work influenced the development of these genres during the late 16th century.

Context

Reflecting the Renaissance's growing interest in natural history, Hoefnagel's precise yet decorative approach to illustrating flora and fauna was characteristic of his time. The circular frame and use of gold paint also nod to the miniature and illumination traditions he was known for.