The Pilchard (Argentina carolina)
1737
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From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1737
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This image shows a branch with large green leaves and clusters of small, round fruits. Below the branch, a fish with silvery scales and a red eye lies on a flat surface. The fish looks realistic, while the leaves and fruit are drawn with careful detail. The artist labeled the fish as "Harengus" and the plant as "Arbor Populi," hinting at a focus on nature. This kind of detailed plant-and-animal drawing was common in early science books. Next, look up etching to see how artists like this made precise prints.
