Ichthyology: Illuminated Figures by Marcus E. Bloch

Ichthyology: Illuminated Figures by Marcus E. Bloch presents 30 works created between 1785 and 1797 from Brenau University’s Graham Arader Art Collection.

Marcus Elieser Bloch (1723–1799) was a German physician and naturalist who is best known for his contribution to ichthyology through his multi-volume catalog of plates illustrating the fishes of the world. Bloch first began cataloging the fishes of Germany in 1782, then explored fishes from abroad until 1795, printing the books with copper plate engravings. The 12-volume publication of beautifully illustrated comprehensive work titled Allgemeine Naturgeschichte der Fische was later translated to Ichthyologie, ou histoire naturelle, générale et particuliére, des poissons. Bloch followed the fish systematics of his predecessors, though he is attributed with adding new systematic characters, including the presence or absence of a fifth gill, gill structure, and bony arches. He described at least 267 new species and 19 genera, and several of his binomial names are still in use. Bloch’s collection of about 800 surviving specimens is preserved at the Museum für Naturkunde of the Humboldt University of Berlin.

This natural history collection on display encompasses artworks from Brenau University’s Graham Arader Art Collection. Established by Graham Arader in collaboration with Brenau Trustee Michael Stubblefield, M.D., the Arader Art Fund at Brenau is dedicated to expanding its collection of natural history artwork and integrating them into its academic curriculum. Since its inception in late 2018, the fund has facilitated the acquisition of more than 700 pieces, enriching Brenau’s campus with a wealth of artistic representations of the natural world. This initiative enables students unparalleled access to an extensive array of natural history art, fostering a meaningful integration of creative expression across various disciplines and immersing and enhancing students’ educational experiences and appreciation of the natural world.