Plate 38: Merganser with Two Other Waterfowl and a Garland of Melons and Gourds c. 1575 - 1580

Joris Hoefnagel's "Plate 38: Merganser with Two Other Waterfowl and a Garland of Melons and Gourds" (c. 1575-1580) is a fine example of the Dutch artist's meticulous and detailed naturalism. The work depicts a merganser in flight over a still body of water, accompanied by two other waterfowl. Above the scene hangs a garland of melons and gourds, tied together with a ribbon. This intricate composition showcases Hoefnagel's keen eye for both the anatomical details of birds and the subtle textures of fruits. This page is from a larger illustrated book, possibly his *Musaeum* which is a collection of natural history drawings.