Kop van een gier 1763 - 1824

François Levaillant, a French naturalist and ornithologist, created this detailed watercolor painting titled *Kop van een gier* (Head of a Vulture) between 1763 and 1824. The painting showcases the intricate details of the vulture's head and neck, rendered in vibrant colors against a plain background. This piece, now in the Rijksmuseum, exemplifies Levaillant's keen eye for observation and his mastery of watercolor technique. The close-up perspective emphasizes the bird's striking features, highlighting the anatomical accuracy characteristic of Levaillant's work, a testament to his dedication to scientific illustration.