Who painted Plate 52: Four Grasshoppers?

Plate 52: Four Grasshoppers was painted by Joris Hoefnagel in 1594.

Where can I see Plate 52: Four Grasshoppers?

Plate 52: Four Grasshoppers is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Plate 52: Four Grasshoppers?

Plate 52: Four Grasshoppers is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Plate 52: Four Grasshoppers?

Museum-quality prints of Plate 52: Four Grasshoppers are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Plate 52: Four Grasshoppers

Joris Hoefnagel , 1594

Plate 52: Four Grasshoppers 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:Center right in brown ink: LII. Facing page: Upper center in (gold?): Idolatras Locustarum, et muscarum occiderunt / morsus, et no[n] est inve[n]ta sanitas animae illoru[m].Sap 16. ("The bitings of locusts and of flies killed them, and there was found no remedy for their life." Book of Wisdom 16:9 (Latin Vulgate Bible)

About this work

Overview

Plate 52: Four Grasshoppers is a watercolor and gold paint drawing on parchment created by Joris Hoefnagel around 1594. It is a characteristic example of the artist's work, showcasing his skill in natural history illustration.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts four grasshoppers in different colors and poses, arranged in a circular composition. The level of detail and realism in the depiction reflects Hoefnagel's close observation of nature.

Technique & Style

Hoefnagel used watercolor and gold paint to achieve a high level of detail and color in the drawing. The realistic style and attention to texture and shape demonstrate his technical skill as a draftsman and his contribution to the development of natural history illustration.

Context

As a Flemish artist active in the late 16th century, Hoefnagel was part of a tradition of manuscript illumination that was evolving into new forms of still-life painting in northern Europe.