Plate 22: Blackhead Persian Sheep and a Sheep with a Long Tail, with a Cactus c. 1575 - 1580

"Plate 22: Blackhead Persian Sheep and a Sheep with a Long Tail, with a Cactus" is a watercolor on vellum by Joris Hoefnagel, a renowned Flemish painter and miniaturist of the 16th century. This detailed illustration, part of his larger work, is a testament to his meticulous observation of nature. The plate depicts two sheep, one with a black head and the other with a long tail, standing against a backdrop of a cactus plant. Hoefnagel's work is known for its realistic portrayals of animals and plants, highlighting the beauty and diversity of the natural world.