Who painted Plate 52: Two Sand Lizards?

Plate 52: Two Sand Lizards was painted by Joris Hoefnagel in 1594.

Where can I see Plate 52: Two Sand Lizards?

Plate 52: Two Sand Lizards is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Plate 52: Two Sand Lizards?

Plate 52: Two Sand Lizards is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Plate 52: Two Sand Lizards?

Museum-quality prints of Plate 52: Two Sand Lizards are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Plate 52: Two Sand Lizards

Joris Hoefnagel , 1594

Plate 52: Two Sand Lizards 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 brown ink: .Serpente Ciconia pullos / Nutrit, et Inventa per devia rura Lacerta: / Illi eadem sumptis, quaerunt animalia Pennis. (“The stork feeds its young with the snake and with the lizard found in distant country. When they are fledged, they seek out the same animals [on the lizard].)” (trans. Vignau-Wilberg 1994, 73).; right center in brown/black ink: LII.; animals in image numbered .1., in red ink; lower center in blue/black ink: Versicolor coluber, ranas, miserasq[ue] Lacertas / Devorat, In sylvis foera fortior, ore minorem / Dilacerat. (“The colorful snake devours frogs and wretched lizards; in the woods the wild beast, being stronger, tears the smaller beast to shreds.”) (trans. Vignau-Wilberg 1994, 64) Facing page: upper center in brown ink: Sed cunctas species animantum nemo notavit:/ Atq[ue] sonos ideo dicere quis poterit?; lower center in violet ink: Auxilium meum a Domino: qui fecit / Coelum et TERRAM. ps.120. (“My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalms 120:2) (Latin Vulgate Bible)

About this work

Overview

Plate 52: Two Sand Lizards is a watercolor and gold paint work on parchment created by Joris Hoefnagel around 1594. It exemplifies the artist's skill in naturalistic illustration and his contribution to the development of detailed, observational art.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts two sand lizards, one green and one yellow, set against a plain white background, surrounded by a thin gold circle. The lizards are rendered in meticulous detail, capturing the texture of their skin and subtle shading that conveys depth.

Technique & Style

Hoefnagel's use of watercolor and gold paint showcases his technical proficiency. The gold paint adds a luxurious touch, while the watercolor allows for delicate, detailed rendering of the lizards. The artist's attention to detail reflects his background in natural history illustration and manuscript illumination.

History & Provenance

As one of the last manuscript illuminators, Hoefnagel brought his expertise to the emerging genre of floral still-life painting in northern Europe. Created around 1594, Plate 52: Two Sand Lizards is a product of this transitional period in the artist's career.