Varkensdas before 1650

Antonio Tempesta's "Varkensdas" is a detailed etching depicting a badger in profile, showcasing the artist's keen observation of animal anatomy. Created before 1650, this small-scale print is a fine example of Tempesta's mastery of the medium, evident in the finely rendered fur and muscular structure of the animal. The inscription "Tasso Porcino" identifies the subject and adds to the scientific value of the work, typical of the naturalist genre prevalent during the Renaissance. This print, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into the intersection of art and scientific exploration of the natural world.