Plate 39: Squid, Gurnard, Pike, and Other Fish c. 1575 - 1580

This is Plate 39: Squid, Gurnard, Pike, and Other Fish, made by Joris Hoefnagel, an artist active in the late 16th century. Note how the artist groups this diverse array of aquatic creatures together, not just as a display of natural forms, but as a tableau teeming with symbolic life. The careful arrangement and detailed depiction of each fish—squid, gurnard, and pike—reflect the Renaissance fascination with the natural world. Consider the recurring motif of the fish throughout art history, from early Christian symbols of faith to emblems of fertility and abundance in classical mythology. One such symbol of the fish dates back to ancient times, where it was a symbol for Aphrodite. Here, Hoefnagel revives this symbolic language, inviting viewers to contemplate the mysteries of the deep and the interconnectedness of all living things. Through these depictions, the subconscious recognizes the vital life force. The fish, seemingly simple, are deeply connected to our memory of the world, engaging us on a profound, emotional level. Observe, for example, how the pike, rendered with meticulous detail, echoes the same creature found in ancient Roman mosaics. Its representation has been transformed, adapting to different cultural and artistic contexts, reminding us of the cyclical, non-linear flow of history.