Flounder, Pleuronectes Flessus
1803
Edward Donovan captured the somewhat goofy charm of the flounder in this 1803 illustration, part of his ambitious project to document British fishes. Notice how both eyes are crowded onto the left side of the head—a bizarre evolutionary trick that helps these flatfish camouflage on the ocean floor while keeping a watchful eye on predators above. The delicate pink and purple hues, contrasted with the dark, blotchy patches, show off the artist's keen eye for detail, turning a common dinner fish into a surprisingly elegant subject. Donovan's work helped everyday Victorians appreciate the weird and wonderful creatures swimming in their own backyards.
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