[Berlin, Nicolai, 1733-1763]. Folio (37.0 x 23.7 cm). Single printed leaf with original hand-colouring, the eye and claws augmented with gum arabic.

A fine illustration of the northern goshawk, depicting an adult female. Linnaeus, in the tenth edition of the Systema naturae, referred to this illustration for his Falco palumbarius, but it is now known as Accipiter gentilis, another name introduced by Linnaeus. The history of the Vorstellung der Vögel Deutschlandes is complicated - see Zimmer. The work was initially published in 1733, but not completed until 1763. There were reissues in 1764 and 1817. According to Sitwell it is "One of the most enjoyable of all bird books but rare". Currently preserved in cloth-covered frame with gilt, bevelled inner border, but easily detached. Paper evenly toned, otherwise in very good condition. Sitwell, Fine Bird Books, p. 97; Zimmer, pp. 232-234.