Marcus Elieser Bloch, Sparus Dente, The Sea-Rough (Berlin: 1782-85, Paris: 1785-97)

Marcus Elieser Bloch (1723-1799)
Sparus Dentex, The Sea-Rough
From Ichtyologie, ou Histoire Naturelle, Generale et Particuliere des Poissons
Berlin: 1782-85; Paris: 1785-1797
Hand-colored engraving
11 ¼” x 18 ¼” sheet; 21 ½” x 28 ¼” framed

Bloch’s ambitious work is the most notable of all books on ichthyology. Bloch made every effort to be comprehensive in this study, searching out species from “the four corners of the globe.” 

This monumental work reflects the growing interest in fishing as a leisure activity in the 18th century. The lavishness and sheer magnitude of this work transcend mere trend to reveal an artist who was passionately involved with his subject matter.