Barn owl (Tyto alba), Anselmus Boëtius de Boodt, 1596 - 1610
brush, h 214mm × w 170mm More details
The natural science underwent a profound transformation at the end of the 16th century, with greater emphasis placed on insights derived from personal observations. De Boodt, too, adopted a precise and encyclopaedic approach. The artist likely endeavoured to accurately depict this species – like the other owls in the album – on paper. The heart-shaped facial disk and speckled chest of the bird here identify it as a barn owl.
