Naturhistorisk tegning 1844 - 1910

This is a natural history drawing of an anglerfish, made by Carl Christian Larsen Cordts in Denmark during the late 19th or early 20th century. Consider the public role of scientific illustration during this period. Advances in natural science created a need for detailed visual records. Museums, scientific institutions, and educational programs all relied on these kinds of images to disseminate knowledge. The level of detail here speaks to the values of empirical observation that were central to the scientific disciplines. But we should also ask, what are the politics of imagery? How does the act of depiction shape our understanding of the natural world? What does it mean to see this creature isolated on a white background, devoid of its natural habitat? To understand this artwork better, one might consult historical texts on natural science, museum archives, or the artist's biography. Remember, the meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.