Burbot, Gadus lota
1803
Meet the burbot, the only freshwater member of the cod family, captured here in exquisite detail by naturalist Edward Donovan. This hand-colored engraving, published in London in 1808 as seen in the text below, showcases the fish's distinctive chin whiskers and mottled body with scientific precision. Donovan aimed to document British wildlife for the public, helping bring the wonders of nature into homes long before photography existed. The fine lines and subtle shading bring this bottom-dwelling creature to life, making it look almost ready to swim off the page.
- Technique
- Hand-colored engraving
- Material
- Paper
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