Vogel c. 1580 - 1590

This print of a bird was made by Jacques de Fornazeris around the early 17th century in the Netherlands. The print depicts a roller bird, also known as a blue roller, perched on a branch. During this time, the Dutch Golden Age was in full swing, and there was a growing interest in natural history and scientific illustration. Artists like Fornazeris played a role in documenting and disseminating knowledge about the natural world to a wider audience through prints. The production of prints was regulated by the guilds, who played a vital role in setting standards for craftsmanship and artistic training. We might ask: what role did the Dutch East India Company play in bringing exotic specimens back to Europe for artists to study? What other kinds of publications included images of wildlife? These are the kinds of questions that help us contextualize this work within its specific time and place. By looking at the broader social and institutional context, we can better understand the meaning and significance of this small but fascinating print.