Plate 48: Guinea Pig and Hedgehogs with Melon and Cobnuts c. 1575 - 1580

"Plate 48: Guinea Pig and Hedgehogs with Melon and Cobnuts" is a watercolor on vellum by Flemish artist Joris Hoefnagel, dating to c. 1575 - 1580. It is one of the plates from his famous "Natural History" series, which were created to showcase his meticulous observation and detailed depictions of the natural world. This particular plate features a guinea pig and two hedgehogs, alongside a ripe melon, cobnuts, and a small body of water. Hoefnagel's precise rendering of the animal's textures and the surrounding environment is a testament to his mastery of the miniature painting technique. This intricate work exemplifies the scientific curiosity and artistic skill that characterized the late Renaissance period.