Titelblad: Historiae Naturalis de Avibus Libri VI 1657

This engraved title page, created by Matthäus Merian in 1657, is a visual representation of the book "Historiae Naturalis de Avibus Libri VI" (Natural History of Birds in Six Books) by Johannes Jonstonus. The composition features a central oval frame showcasing the title, surrounded by an intricate border of swirling foliage and winged figures. The top portion depicts a woman in a flowing gown, surrounded by birds, symbolizing the book's subject matter. The details of the engraved lines and the composition convey a sense of grandeur and knowledge, which were highly prized during the 17th century. This artwork can be found in the Rijksmuseum in the Netherlands.