C. Aureolus 1817

Charles Alexandre Lesueur rendered this depiction of C. Aureolus with ink on paper. Here, the fish form emerges as an ancient symbol, far beyond a simple aquatic creature, embodying a profound connection to the depths of the collective unconscious. Across cultures, the fish represents fertility, abundance, and the mysteries of the unseen world, surfacing in diverse mythologies, from the sacred carp of Asian traditions to the fish gods of ancient Mediterranean civilizations. The fish motif recurs throughout art history, subtly shifting in meaning yet retaining its primal essence. In early Christian art, the fish symbolized Christ, an emblem of faith and transformation. This same symbol, viewed through the lens of psychoanalysis, may suggest a deep-seated longing for renewal, a return to the life-giving waters of our origins, and the potential for rebirth. The cyclical nature of this symbol mirrors the perpetual currents of history, reminding us that images are not static entities, but rather, dynamic carriers of cultural memory.