Hazelmuis before 1650

"Hazelmuis" is an etching by Italian artist Antonio Tempesta dating back to before 1650. The artwork, currently housed at the Rijksmuseum, depicts a detailed and lifelike portrayal of a dormouse, known as "Glis" or "Ghirono" in Latin, standing on a rocky surface. Tempesta was known for his precise and detailed natural depictions, and this print is a testament to his skill in capturing the animal's morphology and texture. The etching’s use of fine lines and shading contributes to a sense of realism, while the composition emphasizes the creature’s form and grace.