Plate 5: Three Catfish, a Salmon, and Two Other Fish c. 1575 - 1580

Joris Hoefnagel rendered this watercolor around 1575-1600, showcasing various fish, including catfish and salmon. The fish are carefully depicted within a defined aquatic space, their forms and textures meticulously studied. The catfish, with their barbels, immediately call to mind ancient river deities from Mesopotamian art, where fish were sacred symbols of fertility and the primeval waters. Think of Oannes, the fish-god emerging from the sea to impart knowledge to humanity. This motif resurfaces in different guises across cultures, adapting to local contexts. The fish as a symbol is deeply embedded in our collective unconscious, reflecting themes of transformation, mystery, and the abundance of the natural world. Hoefnagel's rendering, while seemingly a scientific study, taps into this primal connection, evoking a sense of wonder and perhaps a deep-seated, subconscious recognition of our shared origins. These images capture nature’s power, continuing a tradition of conveying potent emotional and symbolic meaning.