Otter before 1650

Antonio Tempesta's "Otter" is a 17th century engraving depicting a European otter, a semiaquatic mammal, holding a fish in its mouth. The otter is depicted in a detailed and realistic manner, showcasing Tempesta's mastery of animal anatomy. The engraving, with its focus on natural history and the otter's predatory behavior, was likely part of a larger series of animal studies popular during this period. It's part of the Rijksmuseum collection in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and serves as a valuable glimpse into the art and scientific understanding of animals in the Renaissance.