Zuid-Amerikaanse ratelslang (Crotalus durissus) 1722 - 1784

This 18th-century engraving by Simon Fokke depicts a South American rattlesnake, "Crotalus durissus," in a detailed and naturalistic style. The artwork, part of a larger series, showcases the snake's intricate markings and coiled posture, highlighting its venomous nature. The print, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, is a testament to Fokke's expertise in scientific illustration and his contribution to the understanding of natural history in the Netherlands. This print exemplifies the burgeoning scientific curiosity and interest in the natural world during the Enlightenment.