Tab VIII Antique Print of Birds of Prey by Johnston (1657)

Description: Antique print, titled: 'Asterias, Aern Habich (…).' - Tab VIII : This plate shows various birds of prey; Asterias, Aern Habich (Hawk species) - Accipiter Palumbarius, Habich Rabenstosser (Goshawk) - Accipiter Fringillarius Nisus, Rotelgeier Fincken (Sparrow Hawk) - Tiruumculus mas, Wandwaher, Stern Schmatz - Turuumculus Faemina (Kestrel, Falcon species).

This rare antique engraving originates from: 'Historiae Naturalis. De Auibus Libri VI.' (Volume 6 of Historiae Naturalis.) by John Johnston, published in Frankfurt by Matthias Merian in 1657.

Artists and Engravers: Made by 'John Johnston' after an anonymous artist. John Johnston (or Johnstone, 1603-1675) was a descendant of a Scottish family. Born in Sambter, Poland, he studied extensively at the famous universities of the day, including St. Andrews, Scotland, Cambridge & Leiden. After many years traveling in Europe, he settled in Silesia. Matthaus Merian was a leading German engraver of the day, from a prominent family of engravers and artists, and the father of Maria Merian.