Artwork preview

Plate 45: Weasels, a Ferret, and a "Nut Mouse"

Joris Hoefnagel

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting depicting a group of animals, including various types of weasels. The animals are arranged in an oval motif on a blank page. At the center, there is a branch with two animals perched on it. Below them, near a small body of water, another creature resembling an otter is depicted. A smaller animal is seen next to the water. To the right, standing separately on a patch of grass, is another animal resembling a polecat. The painting includes the text "Firmavit domini's orbem terrœ quı non commovebitvr" at the top and the Roman numerals "XXXV" on the right. The style reflects Renaissance naturalist illustrations, known for detailed and realistic portrayals of animals, reminiscent of Albrecht Dürer.

Artwork Details

Date
c.1575/1590s
Medium
watercolor and gold paint on parchment
Dimensions
5588 × 4453 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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