Reiger met kikker in de bek 1659

"Reiger met kikker in de bek" (Heron with Frog in its Beak), a 1659 etching by Dutch artist Albert Flamen (1615-1688), depicts a heron capturing a frog in a marshland setting. The detailed depiction of the heron's anatomy and the meticulous rendering of the surrounding reeds showcase Flamen's expertise in naturalism. The title below the image identifies the bird as an "Ardea", a scientific term used to refer to herons, reflecting the scientific interest of the 17th century. This small etching, measuring just 70mm by 98mm, exemplifies Flamen's skill in capturing the intricacies of nature through the medium of printmaking.