Minow, Cyprinus phoxinus
1803
Edward Donovan created this charming scientific illustration of the minnow (Cyprinus phoxinus) for his 1803 publication on British fishes. Notice how the two fish face opposite directions, a classic trick in natural history drawing to show off all the details of the species' scales and fins. Donovan was a self-taught naturalist and artist who traveled around Britain sketching wildlife, and his works helped everyday people learn about the creatures living in their own backyards. The delicate blue and pink hues on the lower fish suggest it might be in breeding colors, a lovely detail that brings this 200-year-old study to life.