Antique Print of the Haddock (L’Égrefin) – Gaimard, 1842
This finely hand-colored lithograph illustrates the Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus, Lin.), a member of the cod family and an important food fish of the North Atlantic. Known in French as “L’Égrefin,” the species is distinguished by its slender body, silvery sides, dark dorsal line, and characteristic dark blotch near the pectoral fin. The artist has captured its lifelike form with meticulous detail, from the subtle gradations of its scales to the translucent quality of its fins.
The plate was published in Voyage en Islande et au Groenland (Paris, 1842), the extensive scientific account of Paul Gaimard’s expedition of 1835. While the official purpose of the voyage was to search for Jean de Blosseville’s missing Arctic expedition, the outcome was instead one of the richest illustrated surveys of Iceland and Greenland. The zoological section included superbly detailed depictions of marine life, such as this haddock, a staple fish of the Icelandic and Greenlandic economy.
Drawn by Louis Bévalet and lithographed by J. Bernard, the plate exemplifies the high standard of French natural history art in the mid-19th century. The precise rendering of anatomical features reflects a strong scientific intent, while the soft hand coloring enhances its visual appeal. These plates bridged the worlds of art and science, serving both as research tools and as refined collector’s pieces.
Prints from Gaimard’s expedition are today highly sought after by collectors of natural history and Arctic material, admired for their combination of artistic beauty, zoological accuracy, and exploration history.
Condition report: Strong, clean impression with vivid original hand coloring. Wide margins with mild toning and scattered foxing, most prominent at edges, not affecting the central image. Plate mark visible.
Framing tips: A black or dark walnut frame with a soft cream or ivory mat will highlight the fish’s silvery tones and subtle hand coloring. For a more refined look, a gilt inner fillet may be added to enhance the print’s 19th-century character.
Technique: Hand-colored lithograph Maker: Drawn by Louis Bévalet, lithographed by J. Bernard – from Paul Gaimard, Paris, 1842
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