Plate 2: Sperm Whale, Sturgeon, Shark, and Other Fish c. 1575 - 1580

Joris Hoefnagel created this watercolor and gouache on paper depicting various fish species. Hoefnagel, a Flemish artist working in the late 16th century, lived in a time of exploration and discovery. This image, like many of his works, reflects the period’s fascination with the natural world. But it's important to note that this wasn't just objective observation. Hoefnagel was working in the court of Emperor Rudolf II, where collecting and documenting exotic specimens was a symbol of power and prestige. These images served to expand the known world for a European audience, an act that inherently exerted a kind of dominion over it. Consider, too, how the artist has arranged these creatures. They’re presented almost as trophies, carefully composed in an oval frame, resembling specimens pinned for display. While Hoefnagel's images celebrate the wonders of nature, they also remind us of the complex relationship between knowledge, power, and the natural world during the Renaissance.