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

Joris Hoefnagel created this watercolor and gouache painting on vellum around 1575-1600. Look closely, and you’ll see the artist's delicate touch, applying thin layers of pigment to build up vibrant colors and intricate details. The smooth surface of the vellum allows for this high level of precision, capturing the texture of feathers, fur, and leaves. Hoefnagel's technique involved careful observation and meticulous rendering, blending scientific accuracy with artistic flair. The labor-intensive process reflects the value placed on detailed natural studies during the Renaissance, and the economic means to support such endeavors. Vellum was an expensive support, and the pigments would have been sourced from various locations at considerable cost. Consider too, the social context: Hoefnagel made this as part of a commission for Emperor Rudolf II, known for his vast collection of natural specimens and art. This artwork thus embodies the convergence of art, science, and aristocratic patronage. It reminds us that even seemingly straightforward depictions of nature are deeply embedded in specific historical conditions.