Sole, Pleuronectes Solea
1803
Edward Donovan's 1803 illustration of the common sole captures the flatfish in all its asymmetrical glory, with both eyes comically squished onto one side of its head. Created during a golden age of natural history illustration, this detailed study was meant to help scientists and fishermen identify the species. The delicate rendering of the scales and fins shows just how much patience was required before the invention of underwater photography. Donovan was a prolific Irish writer and naturalist who published numerous volumes on British fish, birds, and shells, making science accessible to the curious public of his time.
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