Description: Antique frontispiece titled 'Dr. I. Ionstons Beschryving van de Natuur der Vogelen neffens haer Beeldenissen in koper gesneden'. Frontispiece of the Dutch edition of 'Historiae Naturalis de Avibus' translated from Latin to Dutch by M. Grausius, published by Schipper, Amsterdam, 1660 ( with plates by Merian).

Artists and Engravers: Matthaus II Merian (1621-1687) was a leading German engraver of the day, from a prominent family of engravers and artists, and the father of Maria Merian. 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.