Vis, deels vergaan 1775 - 1833

Jean Bernard created this watercolor of a fish, partly decayed, likely in the late 18th or early 19th century. Bernard used delicate washes to capture the fish’s iridescent scales and the subtle textures of its decomposing flesh. The choice of watercolor—a medium often associated with preparatory sketches or amateur art—lends a sense of immediacy to the image. It's a reminder of the temporary nature of organic matter. The handling of the subject matter also speaks to a broader cultural context, where the detailed study of natural specimens was intertwined with scientific inquiry. This wasn't just art for art's sake; it was a way of documenting and understanding the natural world. By focusing on the transient nature of his subject, Bernard elevates the humble fish to a subject worthy of careful attention. It blurs the lines between art, science, and the everyday realities of life and death.