Bilder Olof Rudbeck the Younger (1660-1740) – Aquila Maritima (Sea Eagle) – Hand-coloured Engraving

Beskrivning

A monumental, highly detailed hand-coloured engraving of a large bird of prey, labeled Aquila Maritima (Sea Eagle). The eagle is depicted in profile, perched on a rock or log, with its head sharply bent downwards and to the left, likely in a hunting posture. The plumage is rendered in rich, feathery detail, primarily in shades of brown and white/pale brown, with striking yellow legs and talons. The image is split across two joined sheets, suggesting it was intended as a large, folio-sized plate. The Latin inscriptions in the lower right include "Aquila Maritima" and the artist credit "**Olof Rudbeck delin. et sculp. **" The plate originates from Olof Rudbeck the Younger's massive, but ultimately unfinished, work of Swedish ornithology and botany, often referred to as the Fogel-Bok (Bird Book) or Campus Elysii.

Olof Rudbeck the Younger (Olaus Rudbeckius d.y.) was a distinguished Swedish scientist, explorer, botanist, and ornithologist who succeeded his renowned father as professor of medicine at Uppsala University. His major, unfinished project was to document all known plants and animals, particularly birds, which resulted in thousands of intricate and accurate illustrations. Produced in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, these plates are celebrated for their scale, detail, and scientific importance, documenting species long before Linnaeus formalized modern taxonomy.

Artist or Maker: Olof Rudbeck the Younger (1660-1740) 

Dimensions: Approximately 43 × 58 cm  

Medium: Hand-coloured Engraving
 
Date: 20th Century

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.