Plate 10: A Lion and a Civet Cat c. 1575 - 1580

"Plate 10: A Lion and a Civet Cat" is a watercolor on vellum by Flemish artist Joris Hoefnagel, created around 1575-1580. This miniature depicts a reclining lion and a civet cat standing on a small hill. The background features a tree with a sign and a stream. This work is part of a larger series of illustrations created by Hoefnagel, known for their detailed and scientifically accurate depictions of animals, plants, and other natural subjects. Hoefnagel’s work was influenced by the Renaissance interest in natural history, and he was one of the first artists to use watercolor to create such realistic and detailed depictions of animals. His work is admired for its meticulous detail and scientific accuracy.