Plate 33: Sole and Other Flatfish with Bandfish(?) c. 1575 - 1580

In this image, Joris Hoefnagel used watercolor and gouache to create a naturalistic study of various fish species. It’s painted on vellum, a parchment made from animal skin, which gives the colors a soft, luminous quality. The artist meticulously renders each fish, paying close attention to their textures, colors, and forms. He observes the scale patterns, fin shapes, and subtle gradations of color to create a sense of lifelike accuracy. Look at how the wetness of each fish's skin is portrayed. Hoefnagel likely used fine brushes and a steady hand to achieve this level of detail, building up layers of color to create depth and dimension. The use of gouache—an opaque watercolor—allows him to add highlights and create a sense of volume. While this may seem like a straightforward scientific illustration, the care and skill involved elevate it beyond mere documentation. The choice of vellum as a support, the precise application of watercolor, and the artist's keen eye for detail all speak to a deep appreciation for the natural world, and a desire to capture its beauty through careful observation and skilled craftsmanship. This wasn't just about science; it was about art.