De walvisch is te groot, om 's middags op te disschen, / Kiest kindren, voor uw smaak een soort van andre visschen 1856 - 1900

This playful print, made by Glenisson & Zonen, presents an array of edible fish rendered through a combination of etching and hand-coloring. The print isn't concerned with botanical accuracy but uses the natural form of sea creatures as a jumping-off point. Note how the printmakers use a limited palette, likely applied by hand, to distinguish different species. This color coding simplifies the identification process, making it easier for consumers to select their preferred fish. The texture achieved through etching gives a sense of volume to the flat surface, while the hand-coloring adds a touch of warmth and individuality. The choice of printing, a relatively mechanized process, makes this guide widely accessible to a burgeoning middle class. In a way, this print democratizes the knowledge of sea life. The labor is divided: the designer, the etcher, the colorist. By focusing on the materials and processes involved, we see this print not just as a picture of fish, but as a product of its time, reflecting the changing dynamics of labor, production, and consumption.