Antique Print of the Cusk Fish (Le Brosme) – Gaimard, 1842
This striking hand-colored lithograph depicts the Cusk, or Brosme (Brosme brosme, Lin.), a deep-sea fish belonging to the cod family, common in the cold waters of the North Atlantic. The central figure shows the fish in full profile, carefully colored to emphasize the gradient from dark brown dorsal tones to the pale underside. Around the main image are two detailed studies of the head: one illustrating the open mouth with prominent teeth, the other focusing on the skeletal structure. Together, they highlight the scientific precision and zoological intent of the plate.
The print was published in *Voyage en Islande et au Groenland* (Paris, 1842), the monumental account of Paul Gaimard’s 1835 scientific expedition to Iceland and Greenland. While the official purpose of the voyage was to search for the lost expedition of Jean de Blosseville, its actual outcome was an extensive survey of the natural history, ethnography, and geography of the North Atlantic. The zoological section contained finely detailed plates such as this, documenting marine species critical to the livelihoods of Icelandic and Greenlandic communities.
Drawn by Louis Bévalet and lithographed by J. Bernard, the plate demonstrates the collaboration of skilled French natural history artists and lithographers working under Gaimard’s direction. Their work is characterized by a balance between artistic rendering and scientific observation, ensuring that the images remain both aesthetically appealing and zoologically accurate.
Plates from Gaimard’s *Voyage en Islande et au Groenland* are highly prized among collectors of natural history and Arctic material. They combine meticulous artistry with documentary value, offering a window into the 19th-century pursuit of scientific exploration and classification.
Condition report: Fine impression with original hand coloring. Sheet with wide margins, showing scattered foxing and spots, primarily in the outer areas, not affecting the clarity of the central image. Paper remains strong, plate mark visible.
Framing tips: Best displayed in a dark wood or walnut frame with a pale cream or ivory mat, which will emphasize the vivid hand coloring of the fish. For a more scientific presentation, a simple black frame with a neutral mat will give the print a clean, museum-like appearance.
Technique: Hand-colored lithograph Maker: Drawn by Louis Bévalet, lithographed by J. Bernard – from Paul Gaimard, Paris, 1842
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