Lebia (L'Ellipsoidea) 1817 - 1821

Charles Alexandre Lesueur made this drawing of a Lebia fish, also known as L'Ellipsoidea, using ink on paper. As a naturalist and artist, Lesueur played a crucial role in the scientific documentation of the natural world during the early 19th century. Produced during a time of burgeoning scientific exploration, this image reflects a growing interest in the classification and understanding of different species. Note how the image emphasizes precision and detail. The clear depiction of the fish's anatomy serves the scientific goals of cataloging and disseminating knowledge about the natural world. The artist's association with scientific expeditions places this work within the context of institutional efforts to expand knowledge and promote scientific inquiry. By situating this drawing within its historical and scientific context, we can better appreciate its significance as a visual record of early scientific exploration. Resources of the era show how images like this were used as educational tools.