Ooievaar, kraanvogel, reiger en lepelaar 1594

This detailed engraving from 1594 by Nicolaes de Bruyn showcases four different bird species: a stork, a crane, a heron, and a spoonbill. The artist depicts the birds with great accuracy, capturing their unique physical characteristics, including their plumage and beaks. This meticulous rendering showcases de Bruyn’s skill in naturalism, which was characteristic of the 16th and 17th century Dutch Golden Age. This print is a great example of the era's interest in the natural world and scientific observation.