Egel before 1650

This detailed engraving, created by Italian artist Antonio Tempesta before 1650, depicts a hedgehog in profile. Known as *Egel* in Dutch, this artwork exemplifies Tempesta's skill in capturing the intricate details of nature. The hedgehog's spiky fur is rendered with remarkable precision, while the delicate linework highlights its anatomy and posture. The engraving also features a simple background with foliage, suggesting its natural habitat. This piece, now housed at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, exemplifies the popularity of natural history illustrations during the Renaissance, which aimed to document and understand the world around them.