Plate 39: Three Puppies with a Crate and a Bunch of Grapes 1580

Joris Hoefnagel’s “Plate 39: Three Puppies with a Crate and a Bunch of Grapes” is a meticulously detailed miniature painting on vellum from 1580. The painting depicts three adorable puppies playfully interacting, their fluffy white fur rendered with delicate strokes of watercolor. The oval composition, typical of Hoefnagel’s work, frames the scene with a sense of intimacy. Hoefnagel, known for his exquisite naturalism and scientific precision, captured the details of the puppies’ postures and expressions, highlighting the charm of the animal world. The inclusion of a crate and a bunch of grapes adds a touch of whimsy and emphasizes the playful nature of the scene.