Plate 37: Two Spaniels with a Gourd c. 1575 - 1580

"Plate 37: Two Spaniels with a Gourd" is a watercolor painting by Joris Hoefnagel, a Flemish artist known for his meticulous naturalism. Created around 1575-1580, the artwork showcases Hoefnagel's mastery of detail as he depicts two spaniels, a gourd, and even the Latin inscription, all rendered with precise strokes. This work likely served as a plate in a larger book or collection of illustrations, reflecting the Renaissance fascination with scientific observation and artistic precision. The careful arrangement of elements within a circular frame suggests a balance between natural beauty and order, a hallmark of the period's artistic sensibilities.