Antique Print of the Capelin and Smelt – Gaimard, 1842
This finely hand-colored lithograph depicts two important northern fish species: the Capelin (Mallotus villosus), titled Le Loddre Capelan, and the European Smelt (Osmerus eperlanus), titled L’Éperlan. Both are shown in profile with vivid accuracy, accompanied by a smaller anatomical vignette of the head.
The Capelin, a small forage fish of the smelt family, is a vital part of Arctic marine ecosystems and an essential food source for cod, whales, seabirds, and humans. The Smelt, slightly larger, was long appreciated for its culinary qualities, known for its distinctive cucumber-like aroma when fresh. These illustrations not only capture their delicate forms but also emphasize their ecological and cultural importance to Iceland and Greenland.
This plate was published in Paul Gaimard’s *Voyage en Islande et au Groenland* (Paris, 1842), the monumental record of the 1835 expedition. While originally intended to locate the missing expedition of Jean de Blosseville, Gaimard’s mission instead produced a landmark survey of the natural history and society of the North Atlantic. The ichthyological plates in the series, such as this one, document both commercially significant and rare marine species.
The drawing was prepared by Louis Bévalet, one of the period’s most skilled natural history illustrators, and lithographed by J. Bernard. Hand coloring was applied with precision, giving the fish a lifelike quality with subtle silvery and olive-green hues.
Condition report: Excellent impression with fine original hand coloring. Some light foxing and age toning, mostly in the margins, not affecting the clarity of the image. Plate mark visible.
Framing tips: The delicate scale and silvery tones make this plate well-suited to a natural wood or walnut frame. A single ivory mat will create a clean presentation, while a double mat with a pale blue or sea-green inner border will emphasize its maritime subject.
Technique: Hand-colored lithograph Maker: Drawn by Louis Bévalet, lithographed by J. Bernard – from Paul Gaimard, Paris, 1842
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