Fish

  • Pleuronectes Argus, The Argus-Flounder. (1785-1797) (1)

    Pleuronectes Argus, The Argus-Flounder. (1785-1797) (1)

    Marcus Elieser Bloch (German, 1723–1799)

    The flounder lies flat against the seabed, its mottled skin blending with sand. One eye has migrated to the upper side, giving it an asymmetrical gaze. Delicate engravings trace each scale, revealing how this odd fish hides in plain sight.

  • Pleuronectes Argus, The Argus-Flounder. (1785-1797)

    Pleuronectes Argus, The Argus-Flounder. (1785-1797)

    Marcus Elieser Bloch (German, 1723–1799)

    The flounder lies flat, its mottled skin mimicking sand. One eye has migrated, both now staring upward—a silent hunter waiting beneath the seabed. The engraving traces each irregular spot, as if the fish might blink and vanish into the ocean floor.

  • Helicolenus percoides (NZ) _ Perch (1867)

    Helicolenus percoides (NZ) _ Perch (1867)

    Frank Edward Clarke (New Zealander, 1864–1935)

    A perch glides through pale water, its scales catching the light. Fins splay like delicate fans, each spine precise. The muted greens and golds blur at the edges, as if the fish might flick its tail and vanish into deeper currents.

  • The Sole (Solea lunata & c) (1731-1743)

    The Sole (Solea lunata & c) (1731-1743)

    Mark Catesby (English, 1683–1749)

    A flat, sand-colored fish lies still against the ocean floor, its mottled skin blending seamlessly with the grains beneath. Delicate fins taper like whispers into the water. The muted palette belies the precision in each scale—a masterclass in camouflage, painted with the patience of a predator waiting.

  • Rhombosolea tapirina _ greenback flounder (before 1870)

    Rhombosolea tapirina _ greenback flounder (before 1870)

    Frank Edward Clarke (New Zealander, 1864–1935)

    A flat, mottled body lies still against the seabed—greenback flounder, perfectly disguised. Its asymmetrical eyes peer upward, waiting. The delicate watercolor strokes mimic the dappled light filtering through shallow waters. One wrong move, and the illusion shatters.