Plate 2: Two Giraffes with an Attendant c. 1575 - 1580

This exquisite watercolor painting, "Plate 2: Two Giraffes with an Attendant," from c. 1575-1580 by Joris Hoefnagel, is a prime example of 16th-century naturalism. Hoefnagel, a renowned Flemish artist, was known for his meticulous detail and scientific accuracy. The artwork depicts two giraffes, one standing tall and one with its head lowered, along with a small human figure. The giraffes are rendered with precise anatomical detail and are surrounded by a lush, verdant landscape, highlighting the artist's keen observation of both animals and plants. This miniature painting, part of a larger series, exemplifies Hoefnagel's mastery of the miniature genre and his contributions to the study of zoology.