Plate 46: Bats, Quail, and Oystercatcher(?) by the Water c. 1575 - 1580

Joris Hoefnagel's "Plate 46: Bats, Quail, and Oystercatcher(?) by the Water" (c. 1575-1580) is a meticulous watercolor and gouache on vellum. This is a plate from a larger series, the *Historiae Naturalis* series, which aimed to document the natural world with remarkable detail. The artwork depicts a diverse group of fauna, including bats in flight, a black oystercatcher standing by the water, and two quail resting on a rocky shore, demonstrating Hoefnagel's mastery of naturalistic observation. The oval frame and the intricate details in the foliage enhance the composition, making this piece a testament to the artistic and scientific achievements of the Renaissance era.