Plate 4: Llama and Moose c. 1575 - 1580

Joris Hoefnagel rendered this illustration of a llama and a moose in the late 16th century. Here, we see the artist’s attempt to capture the exotic fauna of the New World, filtered through the lens of European understanding. Note how the llama and moose are depicted alongside a European-looking tree bearing fruit. The tree is a symbol of abundance and paradise, often linked to the Garden of Eden. But the inclusion of these animals transforms the traditional symbol into something new. Consider how the image of the Garden has evolved. Early depictions often emphasized harmony and divine grace. Yet, as cultures encountered new species and environments, the image of paradise expanded, encompassing a more diverse array of life. The moose, with its strange antlers, and the llama, with its elongated neck, challenge the viewer's sense of natural order, reflecting a world far more varied and complex than previously imagined. This image, therefore, speaks to the human desire to classify and integrate the unfamiliar, to expand our understanding of the world.