Plate 7: Four Birds of Prey on a Wooden Frame c. 1575 - 1580

This detailed watercolor, "Plate 7: Four Birds of Prey on a Wooden Frame", is part of Joris Hoefnagel's renowned "Natural History" series. The artwork, completed between 1575 and 1580, showcases Hoefnagel's mastery of scientific illustration. The meticulously rendered birds, perched on a wooden frame, are depicted with exceptional anatomical accuracy, while the surrounding flora adds a touch of natural beauty to the composition. This series of avian studies, created during the Dutch Golden Age, was a testament to the growing interest in natural history and scientific observation.