Squirrel 

Hans Hoffmann made this watercolor and gouache painting of a squirrel in 1578. The work is made with meticulous attention to detail, capturing the texture of the squirrel's fur and the delicate features of its face. Hoffmann was a master of the "realistic" style, and the squirrel is no exception. It would have required careful observation of the natural world and a high level of technical skill. You can almost feel the softness of the fur and the sharpness of the claws, which speaks to the level of craftsmanship involved. The techniques employed point to a culture that valued both scientific accuracy and aesthetic beauty. In this sense, the painting reflects broader social trends, including an increased interest in natural history. It challenges the traditional hierarchy of art, which often privileged grand historical subjects over more modest depictions of the natural world.