Opossum of buidelrat (Dedelphidae) before 1650

"Opossum of buidelrat (Dedelphidae)" is an etching by Italian artist Antonio Tempesta, dating from before 1650. The artwork, now part of the Rijksmuseum collection, depicts a fantastical creature nursing two smaller animals, with detailed anatomical features, showcasing Tempesta's meticulous style. This print reflects the fascination with the natural world and the desire to document and understand the diversity of species that characterized Renaissance-era scientific inquiry. The image itself highlights the artist's ability to capture both the realism and the fantastical elements of the subject, creating a striking and intriguing composition.