Plate 52: Blue Tit with Three Wading Birds and a Fig Tree c. 1575 - 1580

This miniature watercolor on vellum, "Plate 52: Blue Tit with Three Wading Birds and a Fig Tree," is from a series of 100 plates by Flemish artist Joris Hoefnagel, created around 1575-1580. The artwork exemplifies the meticulous detail and realistic depiction characteristic of 16th-century natural history illustrations. The composition features a blue tit perched on a branch, three wading birds in a marsh setting, and a fig tree with ripe fruit. Hoefnagel’s mastery of scientific accuracy is evident in his precise rendering of each species and botanical element. The work offers a glimpse into the rich diversity of nature, showcasing the beauty and complexity of the natural world.