JORIS HOEFNAGEL - Two Mice

THE ARTWORK

Joris Hoefnagel's "Two Mice" is a small but intriguing drawing created in 1594. It was a special gift made for his friend Johannes Muisenhol, whose last name translates to "mouse hole" in English.

The drawing features two mice in a dimly lit room. Several elements hold symbolic meaning: the extinguished candle in the center can be seen as a memento mori, a reminder of the fleeting nature of life, while the gnawed walnut next to the candle reinforces this idea. The overall muted tones add to the contemplative mood. Despite the somber message, Hoefnagel's talent for depicting nature is on full display. The mice are rendered in exquisite detail with fur, whiskers, and even individual toes clearly visible.

The work is a great example of how Hoefnagel could combine close observation of the natural world with symbolic elements to create a thought-provoking artwork.

THE ARTIST

Joris Hoefnagel (1542-1601) was a Flemish painter, miniaturist, and draughtsman known for his intricate and detailed botanical illustrations, still-life paintings, and manuscript illuminations. He was born in Antwerp and later settled in Vienna, where he served at the court of Emperor Rudolf II. Hoefnagel's work is characterized by his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to combine scientific accuracy with artistic beauty. He contributed significantly to the development of the Netherlandish tradition of natural history illustration. His most famous works include the "Four Elements" series and the "Mira Calligraphiae Monumenta," a collaboration with calligrapher Georg Bocskay, which showcases exquisite examples of Renaissance calligraphy and illuminations.

THE PRINT

• A4 Size = 29.7cm x 21cm = 11.7" x 8.25"
• A3 Size = 42cm x 29.7cm = 16.5" x 11.7"
• High resolution giclée print - 600dpi
• Printed to order
• Unframed & unmounted
• Professionally printed using Canon imagePROGRAF printers
• Digitally restored by OharaPrints from high resolution scans of the original artwork
• Made in and shipped from Casterton, Victoria, Australia

PAPER

• Canson Infinity - Arches BFK Rives White
• Paper weight = 310gsm
• 100% cotton
• Archival, museum grade
• Acid free
• No OBAs (optical brightening agents)

Arches BFK Rives is a high-quality, archival-grade paper manufactured at the Arches paper mill in France - one of the oldest papermakers in Europe. It is made from 100% cotton rag using a time-honoured manufacturing process, giving the paper exceptional durability, longevity, and resistance to yellowing or deterioration over time. Despite its substantial weight and thickness it maintains a very soft and supple feel. The paper has a natural white tone and is completely free of any optical brighteners (OBAs), allowing for superb colour rendition and deep blacks.

INK

• Canon Lucia Pro Inks
• Pigment based
• Archival, museum-grade
• Brilliant colours, even gradient and razor-sharp lines
• Highly stable and fade resistant, excellent humidity-fastness

SHIPPING & HANDLING

• All orders are dispatched on the NEXT BUSINESS DAY after receiving the order
• All prints are shipped via AUSTRALIA POST with TRACKING
• For postage rates and estimated delivery times please see our SHIPPING page
• All prints are shipped flat, not rolled
• Each print is individually placed into a resealable, archival grade plastic protective sleeve
• Prints are carefully packaged in very sturdy 700gsm cardboard envelopes, along with 1050gsm boxboard sheets which provide extra strength & rigidity to prevent bending or folding during transit