Falcons & Birds of Prey (Ornithology)
From Historia Naturalis
Matthäus Merian the Elder
Amsterdam, 1657
Issued in Historia Naturalis by Jon Jonston
Hand-colored copperplate engraving on folio leaf
Description
This imposing folio engraving depicting falcons and birds of prey was executed by Matthäus Merian the Elder and published in Amsterdam in 1657 as part of Jon Jonston’s Historia Naturalis. The plate reflects early modern ornithology at a moment when raptors were studied not only for their symbolic power but for their physical structure, behavior, and ecological role.
Birds of prey held a privileged place in Renaissance natural history. Falcons in particular were closely observed due to their importance in falconry, hunting, and aristocratic culture. Merian’s engraving presents multiple species in a clear, comparative arrangement, emphasizing wing structure, talon form, and posture. The result is both scientifically informative and visually commanding.
Printed from a finely engraved copperplate, the image demonstrates Merian’s mastery of line, proportion, and compositional balance. The engraving was subsequently hand colored, likely in a contemporary workshop, enhancing differentiation between species while preserving the crispness of the engraving. Each hand-colored example is unique.
Although Merian is widely known for his Topographia series of European city views, his natural history engravings are equally significant. Plates such as this one reveal his ability to translate complex biological subjects into authoritative images that contributed to the early development of zoological science.
This folio stands as a powerful document of early ornithology and remains highly sought after by collectors and institutions for its scale, clarity, and historical importance.
Condition
Good overall condition for the age. Light, even age toning consistent with the period. Please view images carefully for details.
Details
Medium: Hand-colored copperplate engraving
Format: Folio leaf
Date: 1657
Dimensions: 15 × 8.74 inches (38.1 × 22.2 cm)
Subjects: Falcons, Birds of Prey, Ornithology
Status: Available
Falcons & Birds of Prey (Ornithology)
From Historia Naturalis
Matthäus Merian the Elder
Amsterdam, 1657
Issued in Historia Naturalis by Jon Jonston
Hand-colored copperplate engraving on folio leaf
Description
This imposing folio engraving depicting falcons and birds of prey was executed by Matthäus Merian the Elder and published in Amsterdam in 1657 as part of Jon Jonston’s Historia Naturalis. The plate reflects early modern ornithology at a moment when raptors were studied not only for their symbolic power but for their physical structure, behavior, and ecological role.
Birds of prey held a privileged place in Renaissance natural history. Falcons in particular were closely observed due to their importance in falconry, hunting, and aristocratic culture. Merian’s engraving presents multiple species in a clear, comparative arrangement, emphasizing wing structure, talon form, and posture. The result is both scientifically informative and visually commanding.
Printed from a finely engraved copperplate, the image demonstrates Merian’s mastery of line, proportion, and compositional balance. The engraving was subsequently hand colored, likely in a contemporary workshop, enhancing differentiation between species while preserving the crispness of the engraving. Each hand-colored example is unique.
Although Merian is widely known for his Topographia series of European city views, his natural history engravings are equally significant. Plates such as this one reveal his ability to translate complex biological subjects into authoritative images that contributed to the early development of zoological science.
This folio stands as a powerful document of early ornithology and remains highly sought after by collectors and institutions for its scale, clarity, and historical importance.
Condition
Good overall condition for the age. Light, even age toning consistent with the period. Please view images carefully for details.
Details
Medium: Hand-colored copperplate engraving
Format: Folio leaf
Date: 1657
Dimensions: 15 × 8.74 inches (38.1 × 22.2 cm)
Subjects: Falcons, Birds of Prey, Ornithology
Status: Available
Image 1 of 5
Image 2 of 5
Image 3 of 5
Image 4 of 5
Image 5 of 5