Artwork

The Croker (Perca undulata)

The Croker (Perca undulata), by Mark Catesby, ink, 1737
The Croker (Perca undulata), by Mark Catesby, ink, 1737

The Croker (Perca undulata) is an ink print by the Baroque artist Mark Catesby. It dates from 1737 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Croker (Perca undulata) is a print created by Mark Catesby in 1737, featuring two fish rendered in detail. It is part of Catesby's comprehensive documentation of North American wildlife.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts two fish, labeled with their Latin names, showcasing Catesby's attention to scientific accuracy. The fish are illustrated with warm colors and textured brushstrokes, highlighting their natural characteristics.

Technique & Style

The Croker is an etching and engraving with hand coloring on laid paper, demonstrating Catesby's skill in combining different techniques to achieve a detailed and visually engaging representation of the fish.

Context

The print is one of 220 plates in Catesby's Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands, a groundbreaking work that systematically documented the flora and fauna of North America between 1729 and 1747.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Mark Catesby

Artist

Mark Catesby

Mark Catesby (24 March 1683 – 23 December 1749) was an English naturalist who studied the flora and fauna of the New World.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.