Conrad Gesner [1516-1565], Pica marina palmipes, ornithology, woodcut folio, 1557

Superb folio from an early German edition of Conrad Gesner's Vogelbuch. An antique woodcut illustration of a web-footed sea bird described in German as "Ein Meervogel auß Engelland" (A sea bird from England). Zurich: Christopher Froschauer, 1557. 37.3 x 22.5 cm Reference: Nissen 350. Conrad Gessner was a Renaissance polymath, a physician, philosopher, encyclopaedist, bibliographer, philologist, natural historian and illustrator. The woodcuts for the work were undertaken by Hans Asper, Johann Thomas, and Lukas Schrön. Fine 16th century folio. Later hand colour. Good overall condition. Minor marks here and there.