Goshawk, from Behind
Artist/Maker
DatesMade: Made c. 1584
Material / Technique
Dimensionsh x w: Mått 66,5 x 49,4 cm h x w x d: Ram 98 x 78,5 x 4,2 cm
Inventory numberNMH THC 5465
AcqusitionTransferred 1866 from Kongl. Museum
Other titlesTitle (sv): Duvhök, sedd bakifrån Title (en): Goshawk, from Behind Label (sv): Duvhök (Accipiter gentilis) Label (en): A Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
DescriptionDescription: The same bird, probably a goshawk, is shown in frontal view and from behind with the head in profile. The pale plumage is atypical for the species, and the strong feet differ from one another. There is no sign of ownership. The obsessively precise articulation of each individual feather creates an almost hyperrealist effect. To visually document such a prodigy reflects a passionate interest in natural curiosities typical of the age. Catalogue raisonné: Description in Per Bjurström, "German Drawings", 1972; NMH THC 5464-5471: These drawings, which Erich Bier 1) claims must have been made by Hoefnagel for Duke Albrecht V of Wittelsbach (whose coat-of-arms is born by several of the birds) in 1578-79, will be catalogued in greater detail in the volume on the Netherlandish drawings. 1) E. Bier, Falkporträtt av Georg Hoefnagel, Nationalmusei årsbok, N.S. 14-15 (1944-45), pp. 124 ff.
Collection
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Object category