Antique Print of the Anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius) – Gaimard, 1842
This striking hand-colored lithograph depicts the Anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius), known in French as La Baudroie. This unusual deep-sea predator is native to the North Atlantic, including the waters around Iceland and Greenland. The illustration captures the creature’s broad, flattened head, cavernous mouth armed with sharp teeth, and the distinctive illicium (the elongated spine tipped with a fleshy lure) used to attract prey in the darkness of the ocean floor.
The print was published in Voyage en Islande et au Groenland (Paris, 1842), the monumental account of Paul Gaimard’s 1835 expedition. While the voyage was initially tasked with searching for Jean de Blosseville’s lost Arctic expedition, it instead resulted in one of the most comprehensive natural history surveys of Iceland and Greenland ever produced. The zoological plates, such as this Anglerfish, stand out for their rarity, scientific value, and artistic quality.
The drawing was made by Louis Bévalet, a skilled natural history artist, and lithographed by J. Bernard, with original hand coloring applied to bring out the creature’s eerie texture and mottled brown-green tones. The precision of detail—from the spiny dorsal ridges to the fringed edge of the head—demonstrates the combination of scientific observation and artistic finesse that defines French lithography of the 19th century.
Collectors today value these plates both for their dramatic imagery and their significance within the history of zoology and Arctic exploration. The Anglerfish, with its bizarre form, remains one of the most recognizable and fascinating depictions in the entire series.
Condition report: Excellent impression with vivid hand coloring. Wide margins present, with light toning and a few scattered foxing spots, mainly at edges, not affecting the image. Plate mark clearly visible.
Framing tips: This visually powerful plate is best displayed in a simple black or dark walnut frame with an ivory or light grey mat, drawing attention to the fish’s dramatic form. A gilt inner border may be added for a refined finish that complements the historical context.
Technique: Hand-colored lithograph Maker: Drawn by Louis Bévalet, lithographed by J. Bernard – from Paul Gaimard, Paris, 1842
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