Plate 3: Empty Oval c. 1575 - 1580

This artwork, “Plate 3: Empty Oval”, is a single sheet from a larger work by Joris Hoefnagel, a celebrated Flemish artist from the late 16th century. The piece presents a simple composition featuring a drawn oval in the center of a blank page, with Latin inscriptions at the top and bottom. The oval serves as an empty frame, potentially referencing the concept of emptiness as a space for contemplation. Hoefnagel was known for his meticulous depictions of nature and his interest in symbolic imagery. This minimalist piece might be seen as an exploration of form and space, inviting viewers to engage with the emptiness within the artwork.