Plate 36: Two Spotted Hounds c. 1575 - 1580

Joris Hoefnagel rendered these two spotted hounds with watercolor, ink, and body color around 1575-1600. Dogs, often seen as symbols of fidelity and vigilance, here present us with an intriguing duality. The seated hound, with its watchful gaze, reminds us of the ancient Roman mosaics where dogs guarded thresholds, embodying loyalty and protection. Yet, observe the spotted hound, its coat almost leopard-like, evoking a primal, untamed essence, a wildness lurking beneath domestication. This motif echoes through the ages. Consider the medieval bestiaries, where animals were imbued with moral attributes, reflecting human virtues and vices. Here, the image engages our subconscious, tapping into our collective memory of nature, domestication, and the eternal tension between control and instinct. These hounds are not mere representations; they are powerful symbols, forever imprinted on our cultural psyche.