Lines and Colors art blog

Eye Candy for Today: early paleo illustration by Henry De la Beche

Duria Antiquior, early paleo illustration by Henry De la Beche
Duria Antiquior, early paleo illustration by Henry De la Beche

Duria Antiquior by Henry De la Beche, watercolor. Link is to Wikimedia Commons page from which you can access a larger image.

Very often, scientists have had a secondary role as illustrators, enabling them to visualize the subjects of their investigations.

In this watercolor, early 19th century geologist Henry De la Beche paints his interpretations of fossils, then recently discovered by pioneering paleontologist Mary Anning in the region of Dorset in southwest England.

Though likely somewhat misinterpreted and odd looking by modern scientific standards, these creatures are surely no more bizarre then our more modern approximations of their appearance.

I don’t know the size or location of the original. When I ask Google for a translation of the title, it treats is as a person’s name. Antiquior by itself translates as “more ancient” so I assume that means “prehistoric” Perhaps Duria refers to Dorset; I don’t know.