Plate 2: Two Eagles

Joris Hoefnagel

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting of two eagles in a classical style. The painting features two differently posed eagles within an oval framework. One eagle is perched on the ground, highlighted by its detailed plumage and sharp eyes, while the second eagle is captured in mid-flight with wings fully spread. The words "AQUILA IN NVBIBVS" are inscribed above the eagles, while "AQUILA NON CAPTAT MVSCAS" is below. There is a stone block on the ground with Latin text inscribed. The scene is painted in a realistic style, with attention to detail seen in the feather texturing and the grounded setting of small rocks and soft grass tufts.