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

This detailed watercolor illustration, "Plate 35: The Undersides of Turbot(?) and Other Flat Fish," is part of a larger series of botanical and zoological studies by Flemish artist Joris Hoefnagel, created between 1575 and 1580. The image depicts five different types of flatfish, each rendered with meticulous precision and a keen eye for detail. Hoefnagel's interest in naturalism is evident in the realistic portrayal of the fish's scales, fins, and colors, capturing their unique anatomy with scientific accuracy. This work exemplifies Hoefnagel's contributions to the burgeoning field of natural history illustration in the late 16th century.