Artwork

Plate 71: Empty Oval

Plate 71: Empty Oval, by Joris Hoefnagel, watercolor, 1594
Plate 71: Empty Oval, by Joris Hoefnagel, watercolor, 1594

Plate 71: Empty Oval is a watercolor drawing by the Renaissance artist Joris Hoefnagel. It dates from 1594 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Plate 71: Empty Oval is a drawing created by Joris Hoefnagel around 1594, featuring a blank oval shape outlined in gold on a beige parchment background.

Subject & Meaning

The empty oval is likely part of a larger series of naturalistic or decorative studies, with each oval intended to contain a different image, suggesting a broader exploration of natural history or still-life themes.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolor and gold paint, the work showcases Hoefnagel's characteristic blend of detailed observation and ornate design, reflecting his background in manuscript illumination and contribution to the development of topographical drawing.

Context

As a Flemish painter and miniaturist, Hoefnagel's practice was influential in the emergence of floral still-life painting in northern Europe during the late 16th century.

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.