Karper, elrits, meerval en een baars 1600 - 1638

This is an engraving of four fish, made by Pierre Firens around the turn of the 17th century. The material here – an impression in ink on paper – may seem distant from the actual fish. But notice how Firens has taken full advantage of the engraver’s ability to convey texture. With tight clusters of fine lines, he suggests the scales, fins, and even the wetness of these creatures. These aren’t just portraits of fish, they are specimens – carefully observed and classified. The text above each gives its name. This image speaks to the rise of scientific thinking in the early modern period. It also reflects the growing importance of the print as a medium, capable of disseminating information widely, and at relatively low cost. Ultimately, the image reminds us that knowledge is always mediated by materials and processes. Whether a scientist using a microscope, or an artist with an engraving tool, we can only know the world through the things we make.