Vliegende vis c. 1848 - 1854

This pencil drawing of a flying fish was made by Christian Heinrich Gottlieb Steuerwald, probably in the first half of the 19th century. Steuerwald was a Dutch artist, working at a time when natural history was a popular scientific pursuit. Consider the context in which this drawing was produced; there was an increased interest in documenting and classifying the natural world, fueled by exploration and colonization. Images like this served as visual records for scientific study and public education. The level of detail suggests Steuerwald's interest in accuracy and understanding of the anatomy of this animal. The artist's choice of subject reveals a fascination with the natural world, and perhaps a desire to expand the viewer’s understanding of the world. By focusing on the specific characteristics of the flying fish, Steuerwald created a valuable contribution to the scientific knowledge of his time. To fully appreciate this drawing, we can draw upon insights from the history of science, colonial history, and the study of taxonomy. Art becomes a point of intersection where culture and science converge.