Gaimards Skate Raia Gaimardi, 1845, Hand-Colored Lithograph

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Antique Print of Gaimard’s Skate – Raia gaimardi – Hand-Colored Lithograph, 1845 This beautifully hand-colored lithograph depicts *Raia gaimardi*, commonly … Read more Antique Print of Gaimard’s Skate – Raia gaimardi – Hand-Colored Lithograph, 1845 This beautifully hand-colored lithograph depicts *Raia gaimardi*, commonly referred to as Gaimard’s Skate, a rare Arctic species found in the cold waters around Iceland and Greenland. The illustration comes from the important 19th-century scientific work *Voyage en Islande et au Groenland*, published in Paris by Arthus Bertrand in 1845. The skate is illustrated in exquisite detail from a dorsal perspective, revealing its diamond-shaped body and mottled brown coloration with lighter spots along the wings. Its muscular tail and the intricate structure of the spiracles and gill slits are rendered with scientific precision. The high level of detail and the clean gradation of earth tones demonstrate the lithographer’s artistic skill and the scientific accuracy of the expedition's zoological studies. Drawn by Louis Bévalet and lithographed by H. Blanchard, this print forms part of the *Zoologie* section, specifically “Poissons, Pl. 2”. The species is named in honor of Joseph Paul Gaimard, a distinguished French naval surgeon and naturalist who took part in multiple exploratory voyages. Gaimard’s Skate belongs to the family Rajidae, a group of cartilaginous fishes closely related to rays and sharks. It inhabits cold, benthic environments and has historically been of interest both to ichthyologists and fisheries researchers. The illustration may have served as an important visual aid for early species classification. Condition: Good condition. Very light age toning in the margins and minimal spotting. The image area is clean and the plate impression is crisp. Original hand-coloring remains vivid and untouched. Framing tips: This symmetrical and elegant composition is ideal for classic or scientific-themed framing. A broad ivory or light taupe mat with a slim black or walnut frame would suit the tones well. Particularly attractive in natural history collections, marine-themed interiors, or libraries. Consider UV-protective glass to preserve the integrity of the colors. See less