The Red Clawed Crab (Cancer erythropus)
1737
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1737
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This image shows a red-clawed crab and a yellow seaweed-like plant. The crab is detailed with sharp claws and a textured shell. The plant has long, branching tendrils that spread across the page. The artist used a mix of etching and hand coloring to create this precise image. It was published between 1731 and 1743 as part of a larger work about nature. The colors are bright but simple, focusing on accuracy over decoration. Look up Catesby, Mark to see more of his scientific illustrations.
