Plate 48: Ten Crabs c. 1575 - 1580

"Plate 48: Ten Crabs" is a meticulously detailed watercolor by Joris Hoefnagel, a renowned Flemish painter and naturalist. Created circa 1575-1580, this miniature depicts ten different crab species, showcasing Hoefnagel's keen eye for observation and his talent for capturing the intricate details of nature. The crabs are arranged in a semi-circular formation against a background of a light blue sea, mimicking their natural habitat. This artwork exemplifies the tradition of natural history illustration, popular during the Renaissance, where scientific accuracy and artistic beauty were intertwined.