Amphibien c. 1843

Ernst Fröhlich created this lithograph, titled 'Amphibien', in the 19th century. This was a period defined by the rise of scientific exploration and an increasing interest in natural history, as European powers expanded their reach across the globe. This print, depicting various amphibians, reflects the scientific and colonialist ambitions of the era. The seemingly objective renderings of these creatures cannot be separated from the history of colonial exploitation and extraction. These images played a role in constructing a Western understanding of the natural world, often overshadowing the knowledge and perspectives of indigenous communities. Consider the emotional distance that is created by depicting these animals as specimens. The artist's meticulous rendering invites us to examine and classify, yet what do we lose when we view nature through this lens? The print encourages us to reflect on the intertwined histories of science, colonialism, and representation.