Hazelaar en duizendschoon 1617

This 17th-century engraving, "Hazelaar en duizendschoon," by Crispijn van de Passe (II) depicts a detailed botanical illustration of two plants: a hazelnut tree on the left and a cluster of carnations on the right. The intricate details of the leaves, flowers, and even the small insects present convey the artist's meticulous observation and mastery of the printmaking technique. The work is a prime example of the flourishing scientific interest in natural history during the Renaissance, with a focus on accurate representation and botanical classification. The print was likely intended for an audience of naturalists, botanists, and enthusiasts of the natural world. The illustration is part of a larger collection of engravings that contributed to the dissemination of botanical knowledge.