Plate 44: Godwit(?) and Sandpipers with Two Gourds c. 1575 - 1580

Joris Hoefnagel rendered this delicate watercolor of Godwits, Sandpipers, and Gourds around the turn of the 17th century. Here, we observe a curious juxtaposition of fowl and fruit, symbols that carry profound meanings. Waterbirds, often associated with adaptability and the soul's journey, stand poised, while gourds, emblems of fertility and sustenance, hang above. Gourds, as symbols, have surfaced across cultures—from ancient Egyptian tombs to Renaissance still lifes—each time shifting slightly in significance, yet invariably tied to notions of growth and provision. Note how the bird standing on one leg evokes a sense of balance and vigilance, a motif we might recall from ancient Egyptian art, where similar poses signified watchfulness and readiness. It is a visual echo across millennia. Consider how these symbols speak to our subconscious, evoking primal needs and aspirations. The recurring motifs and gestures, imbued with layers of cultural memory, engage us on a deeper level, subtly reminding us of our shared human experiences. In this composition, we witness the non-linear progression of symbols, perpetually resurfacing, evolving, and adapting to new contexts.