Visschen 1850

This print from the ‘Prenten-Magazijn voor de Jeugd’, presents us with a structured layout of fish specimens, each neatly framed within its own vignette. Executed in monochrome lithography, the composition is defined by its clear, linear qualities and the textural details achieved through hatching and stippling. Arranged symmetrically, the print's design balances scientific illustration with a narrative tableau. The rigorous organisation, reflecting an Enlightenment desire to classify and understand the natural world, also echoes a semiotic approach where each image functions as a sign, contributing to the overall message. The stark contrast between the dark, detailed renderings of the fish and the blank space emphasizes form and contour. This invites us to consider how these elements, displayed in a grid, challenge the traditional hierarchy of artistic composition, offering instead a democratic vision of nature.