Plate 35: The Undersides of Turbot(?) and Other Flat Fish c. 1575 - 1580

Joris Hoefnagel rendered this watercolor of flatfish, around the turn of the 17th century, within a circumscribed frame. The composition is striking: the fishes arranged, seemingly afloat, in a shallow pool where the water meets the sand. The variations in color and texture among the fish are particularly noteworthy. From the mottled greys and browns to the almost surreal pink hue of one specimen, each is carefully distinguished by its surface. The attention to detail invites contemplation on the diversity of nature, and perhaps even a proto-scientific urge to classify and understand the natural world. Hoefnagel's choice to depict the undersides, traditionally hidden, suggests a desire to reveal the unseen. This act reflects a broader cultural shift towards empirical observation. The painting challenges fixed perspectives, inviting us to consider subjects from unconventional angles and to question what is usually left in the shadows. It encourages us to find aesthetic and intellectual value in the overlooked.