Wolf-fish, Anarhichas lupus
1803
Edward Donovan’s 1803 illustration of the Wolf-fish captures a sea monster in mid-battle. The central creature, striped in dramatic blues and yellows, is hooked onto a massive anchor, baring sharp teeth as if ready to bite the metal. In the background, smaller fish leap from the churning, foam-filled water, creating a sense of frantic movement. This print comes from Donovan's 'Natural History of British Fishes,' and the text at the bottom references the Engraving Copyright Act of 1735, showing how seriously artists took the protection of their work even back then.
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