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Basking shark
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Basking shark
Hand-drawn graphite and watercolour wash depicting side view of head of Basking shark transported from Brighton to London. 10th Dec 1812. Date: 1812
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Media ID 14238495
© Mary Evans / Natural History Museum
1812 Basking Basking Shark Cetorhinidae Cetorhinus Cetorhinus Maximus Chondrichthyes Elasmobranch Elasmobranchii Fishes Graphite Lamniform Lamniformes Mineral Mouth Selachimorph Selachimorpha Shark Watercolor Squalus Maximus
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EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "A Journey Through Time: The Basking Shark's Grand Voyage from Brighton to London, 1812" This exquisite hand-drawn graphite and watercolour wash illustration depicts the side view of the head of a Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus), transported from Brighton to London on the 10th of December, 1812. The illustration, a testament to the intricacies of 19th century natural history, offers a detailed anatomical study of this magnificent elasmobranch, a member of the Cetorhinidae family and the largest living shark species. The Basking Shark, also known as the Squalus maximus or the Selachimorpha cetorhinus, is a slow-moving, filter-feeding shark that inhabits cooler waters. Its large, triangular head, filled with numerous small gill slits, is a striking feature that sets it apart from other shark species. The illustration captures the essence of this prehistoric-looking creature, with its wide, toothless mouth agape, revealing the rows of plates lining its palate. The illustration's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the textured graphite shading, which brings out the intricate patterns on the shark's skin, and the delicate watercolour wash that adds depth and dimension to the image. The mineral-rich water of the Brighton coastline is suggested in the background, with the date "1812" and the location "Brighton" inscribed at the bottom, adding historical significance to the piece. This illustration offers a glimpse into the past, providing a window into the world of natural history and the fascination that drove collectors and scientists to transport and study such magnificent creatures. The Basking Shark's journey from Brighton to London in 1812 was a significant event in the history of marine biology, and this illustration serves as a reminder of the wonder and curiosity that continues to drive scientific exploration to this day.
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