Plate 53: Two Common or Mediterranean Chameleons above San Sebastián, Spain c. 1575 - 1580

Joris Hoefnagel rendered these two Mediterranean Chameleons above San Sebastián with watercolor and gouache around 1575-1590. The chameleon, prominently featured, has long been a symbol of adaptability and change. In ancient times, it was often associated with the idea of taking on the qualities of one's surroundings, a metaphor for survival and cunning. This motif appears across different eras, from ancient bestiaries to Renaissance emblems. The chameleon’s ability to change color fascinated many, and the association of the chameleon with transformation, and even deception, is rooted in a collective fascination with outward appearances versus inner realities. The chameleon, as a symbol, transcends mere observation; it delves into our understanding of identity and perception. Its presence here evokes questions about adaptation, the nature of change, and the subconscious human impulse to blend in or stand out. It is a timeless question that continues to resonate in the visual arts.