Plate 1: Two Ostriches and a Starling c. 1575 - 1580

Joris Hoefnagel's "Plate 1: Two Ostriches and a Starling" from the 16th century is a meticulously detailed watercolor and gouache illustration of the exotic birds. Hoefnagel, renowned for his precise and lifelike depictions of natural history, showcases his expertise in portraying the ostriches' plumage, the starling's iridescent feathers, and the subtle textures of the landscape. The Latin inscription at the top of the plate adds to the scientific context of the work, which was typical of the period's growing interest in natural observation. This exquisite example of animal illustration is a testament to the artist's mastery of detail and the beauty of the natural world.