Fishes 1870

Editor: This is "Fishes," a watercolor painting by Marianne North, created around 1870. What strikes me immediately is their almost cartoonish quality. What do you make of it? Curator: It’s interesting you see cartoonish qualities. These fish, rendered with meticulous detail in the style of naturalism, reflect a broader cultural fascination with cataloging and understanding the natural world, but not from a solely scientific perspective. The artist clearly has an appreciation for them. Editor: So, the realism points to cataloging but there are layers to how she is looking at the animals, it sounds like. Can you explain that further? Curator: Precisely. The naturalism here hints at a deeper symbolic resonance. Think of fish as symbols: from ancient creation myths to their pervasive role in Christian iconography representing abundance, faith, and baptism. They represent transformation as well as adaptability in cultural memory. Consider the cultural impact of these symbolic meanings across the 19th century, then apply your own modern psychology. Editor: The connection to transformation and adaptability is interesting in a Darwinian age. The symbolic value definitely goes deeper than I originally thought! Curator: Indeed. And notice how each fish is presented differently, almost as distinct characters. North's individual depictions pull them out of the realm of pure specimen and elevate them toward character or... individuality, perhaps? These aquatic creatures were more than just observations; they became bearers of cultural weight and meaning, transformed by the simple act of representation. Editor: That's such an enriching perspective; I won’t see works like this the same way again. Curator: I am happy I helped shed a new light and added some cultural significance for you!