Plate 25: Mediterranean Rainbow Wrasse, Other Wrasse, a Swallowtail Sea Perch(?), Several "Anthiae," and Other Fish
1594
gouache
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1594
gouache
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This image shows twelve different fish floating in a blue circle. Each fish is painted in bright colors—some are pink, others green or brown—and they’re spread out evenly. The background looks like water, and the whole scene is framed by a thin gold line. The fish are labeled with numbers, like a science guide. The artist used watercolors and gold paint on parchment, which makes the colors glow softly. Next, check out the technique: watercolor, glazing to see how artists build light through layers.
