Plate 40: Two Otters and a Beaver c. 1575 - 1580

Joris Hoefnagel's "Plate 40: Two Otters and a Beaver" (c. 1575-1580) is a meticulously detailed gouache painting on vellum. It is one of the many plates from Hoefnagel's "The Book of Animals," a comprehensive collection of animal studies that reflects the naturalism and scientific curiosity of the Renaissance era. The painting features two otters, one of which is holding a fish, and a beaver, all depicted with remarkable accuracy in their natural habitat. This specific plate showcases Hoefnagel's exceptional skill in depicting the animal kingdom, capturing the intricate details of their fur and anatomy.