Plate 32: Skates with an Egg Case and Two Flat Fish c. 1575 - 1580

Joris Hoefnagel made this watercolor and gouache on paper, "Plate 32: Skates with an Egg Case and Two Flat Fish," at the turn of the 17th century. It reflects the growing interest in natural history and the scientific study of the natural world during the late Renaissance. But this wasn't science as we know it today. Natural history was also a form of courtly display. Aristocratic patrons commissioned artists like Hoefnagel to create lavish depictions of rare and exotic specimens, from botanical illustrations to depictions of animalia. These images were collected in elaborate books and displayed in cabinets of curiosity, demonstrating the patron's wealth, knowledge, and global reach. The artist would have been reliant on the patronage system. The production of such detailed and intricate artworks demanded considerable time and skill, making it accessible only to those with financial support. Understanding the social conditions of artistic production allows us to appreciate not only the beauty of this image, but the complex interplay of art, science, and power in the late Renaissance. Further research into Hoefnagel's patrons and the circulation of his images would give us an even deeper appreciation.