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Ocean sunfish, Mola mola
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Ocean sunfish, Mola mola
Ocean sunfish, Mola mola.. Handcolored copperplate stipple engraving from Jussieus Dictionnaire des Sciences Naturelles 1816-1830. Illustration by J.G. Pretre, engraved by Massard, directed by Turpin, and published by F. G. Levrault. Jean Gabriel Pretre (1780-1845) was painter of natural history at Empress Josephines zoo and later became artist to the Museum of Natural History
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Media ID 14213462
© Florilegius / Mary Evans
Cloquet Dictionnaire Gabriel Hippolyte Jussieu Massard Mola Naturelles Pretre Reptile Sciences Stipple Sunfish
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This stunning handcolored copperplate stipple engraving showcases the enigmatic Ocean Sunfish, Mola mola, as it was depicted in Jussieu's Dictionnaire des Sciences Naturelles between 1816 and 1830. The illustration was created by the skilled hand of Jean Gabriel Pretre, who was a painter of natural history at Empress Josephine's zoo and later became an artist to the Museum of Natural History in Paris. The intricate details of the sunfish's unique features are beautifully rendered in this meticulously crafted engraving. With its large, flat body and triangular dorsal fin, the sunfish appears to be floating effortlessly on the surface of the ocean. Its coloration, depicted in vibrant hues of blue, green, and orange, adds to its otherworldly appearance. The engraving was executed by the skilled hands of Massard, under the direction of Turpin, and published by F.G. Levrault. The stipple technique used in this print allowed for a high level of detail and texture, bringing the sunfish to life in a way that was not possible with other printing methods of the time. The Ocean Sunfish, also known as the Mola mola, is the heaviest known bony fish, reaching weights of up to 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs). Despite its size, it is a gentle giant, feeding primarily on jellyfish and other soft-bodied organisms. This engraving offers a glimpse into the natural world of over 200 years ago, and serves as a reminder of the beauty and diversity of the ocean's inhabitants.
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