Plate 27: Blennies, Scorpion Fish, and Other Fish c. 1575 - 1580

Joris Hoefnagel created "Plate 27: Blennies, Scorpion Fish, and Other Fish" during a time of exploration and discovery. As Europeans traversed the globe, their encounters with new cultures and species profoundly shaped their worldview. Hoefnagel, straddling the line between artist and scientist, meticulously documents a variety of aquatic life. The blennies and scorpion fish are not just biological specimens; they represent the vast, uncharted territories that fueled the era's imperial ambitions. Yet, the artist's work invites us to consider the ethical implications of this pursuit. Who gets to name and claim ownership of these species? The painting, with its array of colors and textures, evokes a sense of wonder and curiosity. It reflects humanity's complex relationship with the natural world - a blend of admiration, exploitation, and a desire for knowledge. In this way Hoefnagel’s image becomes a mirror reflecting back at us our own values, prejudices, and ambitions.