Plate 22: Two White Pelicans with a Sycamore Fig c. 1575 - 1580

Joris Hoefnagel's "Plate 22: Two White Pelicans with a Sycamore Fig" is a delicate watercolour contained within an oval frame, showcasing his detailed observation and artistic skill. The composition is dominated by the standing pelican, its pale plumage rendered with subtle gradations and fine lines. The artist plays with positive and negative space, placing the pelicans on a small island surrounded by water. The texture of the feathers is suggested through careful hatching, creating a sense of volume and depth. Meanwhile, the fig branch adds a contrasting organic element, its rounded forms and green foliage softening the composition. The artwork's structure points to the scientific observation of the natural world. Each element is carefully rendered, suggesting an interest in capturing the essence and form of nature. This work reflects a broader cultural fascination with the natural world during the Renaissance, seen through a lens of scientific inquiry and aesthetic appreciation.