Plate 35: A Hound and a Water Spaniel c. 1575 - 1580

"Plate 35: A Hound and a Water Spaniel" is a watercolor on vellum by Joris Hoefnagel, a renowned Flemish artist known for his meticulous animal studies. Created between 1575 and 1580, this artwork depicts a hound and a water spaniel in a detailed, realistic style. Hoefnagel's attention to detail is evident in the animals' fur, the landscape, and the subtle nuances of light and shadow. The inscription at the top, "QUID CANI CUM BALNEO," ("What does a dog have to do with a bath") and at the bottom "VT CANIS E NILO" ("Like a dog from the Nile"), suggest a playful and humorous take on the subject matter, highlighting the artist's fascination with the natural world. This plate, part of a larger series, exemplifies Hoefnagel's mastery of animal portraiture and his contribution to the development of naturalism in art.