Plate 55: A Hermann's or Greek Tortoise, Two European Pond Turtles, and Two Fritillaria c. 1575 - 1580

"Plate 55: A Hermann's or Greek Tortoise, Two European Pond Turtles, and Two Fritillaria" is a watercolor on vellum by Joris Hoefnagel, dated c. 1575-1580. This exquisite miniature is part of a larger series of animal and plant studies that showcased Hoefnagel's extraordinary skill in capturing minute details with remarkable accuracy. The artist meticulously depicts the intricate patterns on the turtles' shells, the delicate textures of the plants, and the subtle nuances of light and shadow. The Latin inscription at the top, "Oportet Testudinis carnes edere, avt no edere," translates to "It is necessary to eat the flesh of the tortoise, or not to eat it," reflecting the ongoing scientific and culinary debates of the time. The overall composition is framed within an oval, creating a sense of intimacy and focus on the natural world. This miniature exemplifies Hoefnagel's mastery of naturalism and his contribution to the burgeoning field of scientific illustration during the Renaissance.