May 28th 2012

I've always been an admirer of scientific illustrations.  When I was young, I had a number of field guides for flowers, birds and animals, and would pour over them; especially when I found something outside that I didn't recognize.  (I still do this when visiting my parents up north).


Last autumn I was asked to illustrate three full pages of botanical, ornithological and zoological species found in the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn.  It was a chance to do a little image research and create some of my own scientific illustrations.


Checking through one of my favourite blogs, Bibliodyssey, this morning, I found some gorgeous colour plates created by painter Comingio Merculiano in 1885 for a monograph (n.23) titled, I Cefalopodi di Napoli.  You can find more illustrations and little information on the collection here.
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6 comments:

  1. Ally AnnMay 28, 2012 at 2:36 PM

    these are beautiful!!! the textures are simply stunning

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    1. Melinda JosieMay 28, 2012 at 2:37 PM

      I agree. I think a lot of that texture comes from the printing process used back then.

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  2. GabeMay 28, 2012 at 4:46 PM

    beautiful! i love all the detail in the illustration. and this reminds me why aquariums are one of my favourite places to visit

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    1. Melinda JosieMay 28, 2012 at 6:48 PM

      Same! The one we visited in Boston was fantastic!

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  3. t a n y aMay 28, 2012 at 5:09 PM

    You have the coolest job.

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    1. Melinda JosieMay 28, 2012 at 6:49 PM

      Oh Tanya, I didn't do these! They're old colour plates by an artist named Comingio Merculiano! (Thank you though; I'm flattered! haha)

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