Antique print titled 'rhynchops nigra'. The skimmers, forming the genus rynchops, are tern-like birds in the family laridae. The genus comprises three species found in south asia, africa, and the americas. They were formerly known as the scissorbills. This print originates from 'nederlandsche vogelen; volgens hunne huisdouding, aert, en eigenschappen beschreeven", amsterdam, 1770-1829 by c. Nozeman, m. Houttuyn and j.c. Sepp. This is the most important and first study in the netherlands of ornithology at that time. The birds are depicted as they are in life, said to be depicted close to life-sized and in their environment. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no official proof of authenticity, however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity issues arising from misattribution