Ocean sunfish (Mola mola) after 1583

Adriaen Coenen created this watercolor and ink drawing of an Ocean Sunfish in the late 16th century. The paper support has a rough, absorbent quality that allows the washes of color to bleed slightly. But more than the color, it’s the artist’s direct observation that gives this drawing its impact. Coenen, who was an amateur ichthyologist, recorded the world around him with incredible detail. He likely encountered this particular sunfish at the beach near his home. We can see the careful labor involved in the handwritten notes, bordering the sunfish, and the precision required to capture the fish's peculiar features. The drawing also reflects a moment of transition, before scientific illustration became completely standardized. By highlighting the importance of direct observation and the skilled hand, Coenen challenges the traditional hierarchy between scientific documentation and artistic expression, inviting us to appreciate both the accuracy and the artistry of his depiction.