1594
gouache
vellum
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
Plate 6: Four Birds of Prey, Including a Sparrowhawk(?) is a 1594 gouache by Joris Hoefnagel, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This image shows four birds of prey perched on branches and stumps. The largest bird on the left is dark brown with sharp claws, while the others have varied colors—one is blue and brown, another is mostly brown with a striped chest. The bird on the right wears a tiny red hat with feathers and a blue ribbon around its leg. The background is simple, with dry grass and a circle of gold paint framing the scene. The artist added Latin text at the top, likely naming the birds. The small hat on the right bird is a playful touch, making it stand out. Next, check out the technique: watercolor, glazing to see how artists built up colors layer by layer.
Joris Hoefnagel or Georg Hoefnagel (1542 – 24 July 1601) was a Flemish painter, printmaker, miniaturist, draftsman and merchant.
See the richer artist page
