Giraffe before 1650

"Giraffe" is a 17th-century engraving by Italian artist Antonio Tempesta (1555-1630). This detailed depiction of a giraffe, likely based on descriptions and sketches rather than direct observation, showcases the artist's interest in natural history. The engraving, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, captures the giraffe's distinctive features with remarkable accuracy, and features a landscape setting suggesting a distant, exotic land. The engraving showcases Tempesta's skill in capturing the intricate patterns of the giraffe's coat, while the inclusion of a smaller giraffe in the background further adds to the composition.