Plate 43: Mongoose and Badger with Fruit Trees c. 1575 - 1580

Joris Hoefnagel's "Plate 43: Mongoose and Badger with Fruit Trees" (c. 1575-1580) is a meticulously rendered watercolor illustration from a larger series, showcasing the artist's fascination with the natural world. The detailed depiction of the mongoose and badger, set against a background of fruit trees, demonstrates Hoefnagel's mastery of botanical and zoological illustration. This work, with its vibrant colors and lifelike portrayals, exemplifies the flourishing interest in natural history during the Renaissance, emphasizing the beauty and complexity of the world around us.