Artwork preview

Plate 58: Asps and Vipers

Joris Hoefnagel

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a drawing of six different snakes in various patterns and postures within an oval frame. Latin text above and below each snake serves as identifiers or descriptions. Each snake is numbered from one to six, matched with annotations around the illustration. The snakes are detailed with different textures and colors, emphasizing botanical accuracy and educational intent. The colors are mainly muted browns and earth tones, except for one gray snake. The composition highlights the diversity and characteristics of the snakes.

Artwork Details

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