Hyena c. 1580 - 1590

"Hyenia" is an etching by Jacques de Fornazeris, a 16th-century Flemish artist, created around 1580-1590. The detailed depiction of a hyena in profile walking on a rocky shore against a backdrop of a seaside village and a fortified castle showcases the artist's skill in naturalistic animal representation. The work is a testament to the growing interest in scientific observation and the pursuit of natural history during the Renaissance. The print, now housed at the Rijksmuseum, exemplifies the early development of zoological illustration, blending artistic skill with meticulous detail.