Vijf aanzichten van de Orthagoriscus Truncatus before 1893

Henri Beauregard's "Five Views of the Orthagoriscus Truncatus" is an intricate illustration from an unspecified date, capturing various perspectives of the ocean sunfish. Printed in what appears to be a scientific publication, this image gives us an insight into late 19th-century approaches to natural history and visual representation. France, during Beauregard's time, was witnessing a surge in scientific exploration. Institutions such as museums and academic societies played a pivotal role in categorizing and documenting the natural world, therefore, the image speaks to the scientific endeavor of cataloging and understanding species. These images, while seemingly objective, were deeply embedded in cultural values. They highlight a desire to classify and control the natural world through observation and documentation. By exploring the archives of scientific societies, we can better understand the changing relationship between science, art, and society during this transformative period. Examining such images allows us to see the power of visual culture in shaping our understanding of the natural world.