Artwork
The Sole (Pleuronectes lunatus)
The Sole (Pleuronectes lunatus) 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 Sole (Pleuronectes lunatus) is a hand-colored print created by Mark Catesby in 1737 using etching and engraving techniques on wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
This print depicts a sole fish in profile, showcasing its mottled brown and blue body with a distinctive pattern of blue circles and dots, set against a warm, creamy background.
Technique & Style
The image combines scientific observation with artistic skill, featuring textured scales that give the fish depth and dimensionality, while the evenly spaced blue circles and dots add vibrancy.
History & Provenance
The print is part of Catesby's Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands, a comprehensive survey of the region's flora and fauna, reflecting his firsthand studies of marine life during the early 18th century.
Context
As one of 220 plates in Catesby's Natural History, The Sole represents a significant contribution to the documentation of North American wildlife, blending art and science.
Artist & collection
Artist
Mark Catesby (24 March 1683 – 23 December 1749) was an English naturalist who studied the flora and fauna of the New World.
