The Rock Fish (Perca venenosa)
1754
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1754
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This fish looks sharp and detailed, drawn from the side with a big tail and spiky fins. Its body is covered in tiny red dots, and its scales are carefully marked. The mouth is open slightly, showing sharp teeth, and its eye is round and bright. The artist labeled it *The Rock Fish* and noted it’s poisonous. The lines are precise, almost like a science drawing. Check out the technique: etching to see how artists like this made their marks.
