Komt hier nu kinders reyn, en lees dees vogels al: / Gy hebt met groot en kleyn, hier honderd in 't getal 1783 - 1800

This undated print, created by Nicolaas Cornel, a bookseller in the Netherlands, presents a grid of birds, each square a miniature world of avian life. In a time of burgeoning scientific classification, Cornel's print reflects a culture attempting to categorize and understand the natural world, yet it does so through an accessible, almost playful lens. Intended for children, the print invites them to "read these birds," suggesting a pedagogical approach that blends observation with literacy. It is a reminder that our relationship with nature has always been mediated by cultural frameworks. These frameworks are influenced by our desires to know, control, and perhaps even find ourselves reflected in the creatures around us. It encourages a sense of wonder, reminding us of the simple joy of discovery.