Ichthyology

  • Cyprinus Auratus var., The Gold-Fish. (1785-1797)

    Cyprinus Auratus var., The Gold-Fish. (1785-1797)

    Marcus Elieser Bloch (German, 1723–1799)

    A goldfish floats mid-page, its scales etched with precision—each delicate fin and gill rendered in stark black lines. The creature seems poised to flick its tail and dart off the paper, frozen yet alive under the engraver’s hand.

  • Cataphractus costatus, The Rib-fish. (1785-1797)

    Cataphractus costatus, The Rib-fish. (1785-1797)

    Marcus Elieser Bloch (German, 1723–1799)

    A spined fish, armored in bony plates, floats suspended on the page. Its ribbed body curves with precision, each scale etched in sharp detail—a specimen preserved not in brine, but ink and paper. The lines suggest motion, as if it might flick its tail and dart off the sheet.

  • Cyprinus macrophthalmus, The Telescope. (1785-1797)

    Cyprinus macrophthalmus, The Telescope. (1785-1797)

    Marcus Elieser Bloch (German, 1723–1799)

    A bulbous-eyed fish stares from the page, its scales meticulously etched. The exaggerated gaze gives it an almost alien presence, frozen mid-swim against blank parchment. Every fin and gill is rendered with scientific precision, yet the creature feels alive, as if it might flick its tail and vanish into the margins.

  • Perca punctata, The Negro-fish. (1785-1797)

    Perca punctata, The Negro-fish. (1785-1797)

    Marcus Elieser Bloch (German, 1723–1799)

    A slender fish with delicate scales, its body marked by dark spots. The precise lines of the engraving reveal each fin’s intricate structure, frozen in motion as if gliding through unseen water. The details suggest both scientific accuracy and an almost lifelike energy.

  • Fishes XIII (1885-1890) (1)

    Fishes XIII (1885-1890) (1)

    Frederick McCoy (Irish, unknown)

    Delicate watercolor strokes bring these fish to life—each scale, fin, and glint of light rendered with scientific precision. The muted blues and greens suggest depth, as if they might dart off the page into unseen waters. A quiet study, both art and record, frozen in careful detail.

  • Torquigener glaber (Tas) – Pufferfish.

    Torquigener glaber (Tas) – Pufferfish.

    Frank Edward Clarke (New Zealander, 1864–1935)

    The pufferfish hovers mid-water, its spines faintly outlined against the pale wash of ocean light. Every detail—the taut skin, the delicate fins—rendered with clinical precision, yet the creature seems poised to dart or inflate at any moment. A silent tension lingers in the stillness.

  • Anthias formosus, The Grunt. (1785-1797) (1)

    Anthias formosus, The Grunt. (1785-1797) (1)

    Marcus Elieser Bloch (German, 1723–1799)

    A slender grunt fish, scales etched with precision, hovers mid-swim against blank parchment. Its delicate fins splay like lace, mouth slightly agape—caught forever in silent motion. The engraving’s crisp lines reveal each iridescent detail, as if the creature might dart off the page with the next ripple.

  • Fishes III (1885-1890) (1)

    Fishes III (1885-1890) (1)

    Frederick McCoy (Irish, unknown)

    Delicate watercolor strokes bring these fish to life—each scale, fin, and glint of light rendered with scientific precision. The colors bleed softly, as if the creatures might flick their tails and slip off the page.

  • 1. Perca bimaculata, The Acara; 2. Perca Brasiliensis, The Brasilian Perch. (1785-1797)

    1. Perca bimaculata, The Acara; 2. Perca Brasiliensis, The Brasilian Perch. (1785-1797)

    Marcus Elieser Bloch (German, 1723–1799)

    Exquisite 18th-century illustrations of freshwater fish, blending scientific accuracy with artistic elegance.