Psetta. La Plye - Albert Flamen

A detailed seventeenth-century etching by Albert Flamen depicting two flatfish on a shoreline, rendered with precise line work and coastal scenery.

This etching by Albert Flamen, titled Psetta. La Plye, originates from a series documenting marine life. Flamen, a Flemish artist who spent much of his career in Paris, specialised in the depiction of fish and birds. His work reflects the seventeenth-century interest in natural history and the systematic classification of species, often presented with a degree of scientific observation alongside artistic composition.

The print features two flatfish resting on a sandy shore. The artist uses fine, hatched lines to define the texture of the fish scales and the surrounding terrain. In the background, a coastal scene unfolds with small sailing vessels and a distant building, providing a sense of scale and environment. The inclusion of the Latin name Psetta and the French common name La Plye indicates the educational intent behind the series. The inscription Cum priuil Regis suggests the work was produced under royal privilege, a common practice for printmakers in France during this period to protect their intellectual property.

Flamen's technique demonstrates a mastery of the etching needle. He creates depth through the contrast between the detailed foreground subjects and the lighter, more atmospheric background. The composition is balanced, with the two fish occupying the lower portion of the frame, allowing the viewer to examine the anatomical details of the specimens. This print offers a glimpse into the intersection of art and early marine biology, capturing the quiet stillness of the shoreline. It is a characteristic example of the detailed, monochromatic printmaking that defined the era, where precision and observation were highly valued. The work remains a clear record of both the artistic style of the mid-seventeenth century and the natural subjects that fascinated contemporary audiences.