Blanchard, Capelin and the European Smelt, 1845, Hand-Colored Lithograph

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Antique Print of Capelin and Smelt (Mallotus villosus and Osmerus eperlanus) – Hand-Colored Lithograph, 1845 : This finely detailed hand-colored … Read more Antique Print of Capelin and Smelt (Mallotus villosus and Osmerus eperlanus) – Hand-Colored Lithograph, 1845 : This finely detailed hand-colored lithograph features two Arctic fish species: Le Lode Capelan (Mallotus villosus), commonly known as the Capelin, and L’Éperlan (Osmerus eperlanus), known in English as the European Smelt. The illustration originates from the important 19th-century French expeditionary work Voyage en Islande et au Groenland, published in Paris in 1845. Both fish are rendered in precise lateral view, showcasing their slender, elongated bodies and semi-transparent fins. The Capelin, positioned at the top, is depicted in rich olive and golden hues with delicate shading to highlight its small scales and rounded fins. The Smelt, below, is drawn in a more silvery tone, its mouth slightly open to reveal fine teeth, conveying its role as a predator in northern waters. A frontal anatomical inset is positioned between the two specimens, offering a detailed view of head and gill structures for scientific study. This style of presentation reflects the expedition’s mission to document marine life with both aesthetic and biological accuracy. These two species are small forage fish found in cold Arctic and subarctic waters and play a critical ecological role as food for cod, seabirds, and marine mammals. They were also important to northern European fisheries in the 19th century, especially in Iceland, Greenland, and northern France. This is plate “Poissons Pl. 28,” drawn by Louis Bévalet, engraved by H. Blanchard, and printed by Arthus Bertrand. It belongs to a series of highly regarded prints that combine artistic skill with scientific observation. Condition: Very good condition. Clean and bright sheet with only a few faint foxing spots in the margins. Original hand coloring is vivid and well-preserved. Strong plate impression, no tears or repairs. Framing tips: This double-species composition works well in a vertical frame with a natural wood or black lacquer finish. A pale mat in cream or soft gray will help emphasize the delicate coloring. Suitable for display in marine collections, libraries, or contemporary interiors with a taste for natural history. Use UV-protective glazing for long-term preservation. See less