Plate 65: Blackbird, Starling(?), and Other Birds by Joris Hoefnagel

Plate 65: Blackbird, Starling(?), and Other Birds c. 1575 - 1580

jorishoefnagel

drawing

toned paper

water colours

possibly oil pastel

coloured pencil

botanical drawing

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

botanical art

watercolor

warm toned green

This exquisitely detailed watercolor, "Plate 65: Blackbird, Starling(?), and Other Birds," is from Joris Hoefnagel's renowned "Natural History" series, created between 1575 and 1580. The artwork showcases Hoefnagel's mastery of botanical and zoological illustration, portraying four birds with remarkable realism against a backdrop of meticulously rendered foliage. The composition is enclosed within an oval frame, typical of Hoefnagel's style, emphasizing the scientific precision and aesthetic beauty of his work.