Plate 6: Four Birds of Prey, Including a Sparrowhawk(?) c. 1575 - 1580

This intricate watercolor painting, "Plate 6: Four Birds of Prey, Including a Sparrowhawk(?)" by Joris Hoefnagel, dates back to the late 16th century (c. 1575-1580). The artwork depicts four birds of prey, a sparrowhawk and three other unidentified raptors, meticulously detailed in a naturalistic style. Each bird is positioned within a circular frame, surrounded by stylized grasses and twigs. This captivating piece, representative of Hoefnagel's mastery of naturalism, exemplifies his keen observation of the world around him.