Artwork preview

Plate 44: Polecat, Mink, and Ermine

Joris Hoefnagel

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting of various weasels depicted in a circular composition. The image features four weasels, each distinct in color and posture, within an oval frame. The top left shows a brown weasel poised on a bare tree branch. Below, a white weasel is curled up on a rock, looking directly ahead. To the right, another weasel with a darker coat stands on the same rock. Above them, on a branch with green leaves and red berries, rests a white weasel. The surrounding frame features intertwined branches. The painting has Latin text. The colors are naturalistic, highlighting the textures of fur and foliage with detailed precision.

Artwork Details

Date
c.1575/1590s
Medium
watercolor and gold paint on parchment
Dimensions
5538 × 4453 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original