1737
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
The Muray (Muraena helena) is a 1737 ink by Mark Catesby, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This is a coiled eel with sharp teeth and a dark, scaly body. Its mouth is open, showing off rows of small, pointed teeth. The eel’s skin has a mix of black and gray tones, with a faint yellow stripe running along its back. The artist used careful lines to show the eel’s texture and movement. The name *Murena* is written at the top, hinting at its scientific name. Look up etching to see how this technique creates such precise details.
Mark Catesby (24 March 1683 – 23 December 1749) was an English naturalist who studied the flora and fauna of the New World.
See the richer artist page
