Codfish Study, France, 1845, Paper

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Antique Print of Atlantic Cod (Gadus Morhua) – French Arctic Expedition, 1845 This finely executed hand-colored lithograph features La Morue … Read more Antique Print of Atlantic Cod (Gadus Morhua) – French Arctic Expedition, 1845 This finely executed hand-colored lithograph features La Morue Ordinaire (Gadus morhua), the Atlantic Cod, a historically vital species for both marine ecosystems and European fisheries. The illustration was published as part of the Voyage en Islande et au Groenland (Voyage to Iceland and Greenland), a French natural history expedition issued in Paris by Arthus Bertrand in 1845. The Atlantic Cod is shown in full profile, with exquisite attention to anatomical detail. The artist has rendered the cod’s three dorsal fins, barbel under the chin, and speckled coloration in rich tones of olive green, gray, and golden yellow. This fish played a crucial role in centuries of Atlantic trade and diet, especially in the northern European and North American regions, making it one of the most culturally and economically significant fish of the early modern world. This plate is marked “Poissons Pl. 36” and was drawn by Oudart and engraved by H. Blanchard. It is a prime example of the French school of 19th-century natural history illustration, combining scientific precision with artistic refinement. Such plates were not only used for zoological documentation but were also admired and collected for their aesthetic beauty. The Voyage en Islande et au Groenland was a state-sponsored expedition that aimed to study the biology, geology, and ethnography of Arctic territories. The zoological plates from this work are among the finest Arctic-themed marine illustrations ever produced. Condition: Very good condition. Minor foxing in the margins and slight age-related toning. Plate impression is strong, and the colors are well preserved. No tears or repairs noted. Framing tips: A dark wood or black frame with an ivory or pale gray mat will bring out the cool marine tones of the fish. This piece is ideal for marine collectors, kitchens with a coastal theme, or libraries focused on the history of science and the sea. Use UV-filtering glass to preserve the delicate hand-coloring. See less