Plate 19: Four Types of Stags 1580

"Plate 19: Four Types of Stags" is a watercolor painting by Joris Hoefnagel, a renowned Flemish artist, created in 1580. The painting depicts four different species of stags, showcasing Hoefnagel's meticulous attention to detail and naturalism. The stags are arranged within an oval frame, and their lifelike poses and vibrant colors create a sense of depth and realism, characteristic of Hoefnagel's signature style. The inscription beneath the image, "Ita Anima Mea Desiderat ad Te Deus," relates the deer to spiritual yearning, a recurring theme in his work. This painting serves as a testament to Hoefnagel's skill as a naturalist and exemplifies the artistic trends of the Renaissance era.