Plate 37: Three Waterfowl with Two Birds Perched in Citrus Trees c. 1575 - 1580

Joris Hoefnagel’s "Three Waterfowl with Two Birds Perched in Citrus Trees" captures the intricate beauty of nature with watercolor and body color. Here, we observe a series of birds and citrus fruit arranged within a border, each element carrying its own symbolic weight. The birds, emblems of freedom and the soul, perch among citrus trees laden with fruit, symbols of abundance and vitality. This echoes the ancient motif of the 'Hesperides' garden, a mythical paradise where golden apples promised immortality. Consider how this garden transcends time, reappearing in Renaissance paintings as a symbol of earthly delight. The presence of waterfowl introduces the element of water, representing fluidity and the subconscious. These creatures, at ease between worlds, remind us of the interplay between conscious thought and the deeper currents of our emotions. The arrangement of the scene, almost dreamlike, invites us to delve into these primal symbols. It prompts a deep, subconscious engagement with nature's enduring power and mystery.