Beautiful impression, on thin laid paper. Published in Antwerp. From the Series: Venationes Ferarum, Avium, Piscium Hunting Party on its Way to a Blackbird Hunt; in the foreground, a party of huntsmen descend the steps of a classical villa, carrying crossbows, a bell and an unlit torch; to far left, in the valley below, the party proceeds through a wood; centre, blackbirds resting on a domed building, camouflaged by leave and studded with poles upon which birds of prey are perched, are targeted by the huntsmen; beyond,a castle stands upon a hill Engraving Inscription content: Plate numbered 74 in margin, to left. Lettered below the image: 'Intentus merulis Auceps, sic retia tendit / Cauta die, at noctu candelae lumine fallit.' Bibliographic references New Hollstein (Dutch & Flemish) / The New Hollstein: Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts 1450-1700 (452.III) Baroni Vannucci 1997 / Jan van der Straet, detto Giovanni Stradano, flandrus pictor et inventor (693.74) (British Museum) Condition is good. Some foxing. Laid down on card.