Bever before 1650

Antonio Tempesta's "Bever" (before 1650) is a detailed engraving depicting a beaver. The artist, known for his animal studies, showcases the creature with great accuracy, highlighting its dense fur and powerful claws. The beaver's tail, meticulously rendered with scaled detail, creates a striking contrast to the soft fur of the body. This small-scale print, part of the Rijksmuseum collection, demonstrates Tempesta's mastery of etching technique and his interest in natural history. The inscription "Hippopotamus" highlights the artist's intention to create a scientifically accurate depiction of the animal.