Zeevissen Possibly 1778 - 1779

This small watercolor drawing, titled "Zeevissen," by Dutch artist Jan Brandes (1743-1808), depicts three fish in a detailed, almost scientific style. The artist was likely working from live specimens, as evident in the precise rendering of their scales and fins. The drawing is likely from Brandes's "Zeevissen" sketchbook, which contained numerous sketches of marine life. The fish are labeled with Dutch names, indicating a focus on local fauna and a potential audience of Dutch naturalists or collectors.