A Fine Victorian Colour Lithograph: ‘The Longer Sunfish’

From Jonathan Couch’s A History of the Fishes of the British Islands Published: London, 1884

This striking original lithograph depicts the Longer Sunfish, an iconic and anatomically curious species of the British coastline. It originates from the definitive Victorian work on the subject, Jonathan Couch’s A History of the Fishes of the British Islands, specifically the 1884 edition.

The print is celebrated for its rich, atmospheric use of colour lithography, a hallmark of the later editions of Couch’s work. The fish is rendered with a distinctive, almost metallic sheen, capturing the subtle tonal shifts in its skin. The composition is quintessentially "Couch"—balancing scientific accuracy with a romantic, slightly folk-art sensibility that has made his plates some of the most sought-after by collectors of British natural history.

The piece is housed in a substantial Victorian deep ebony frame. This choice of framing is significant; the "shadow box" depth of the ebony provides a stark, sophisticated border that enhances the print's scientific clarity and elevates it to a significant decorative object.

Jonathan Couch (1789–1870) was a Cornish physician and a giant of 19th-century ichthyology. This 1884 edition represents the height of Victorian colour printing technology, where depth and saturation reached their peak. The use of ebony for framing during this period was a hallmark of the "Aesthetic Movement," where natural history specimens were displayed with a dramatic, somber elegance in high-end British interiors.

Dealer’s Comment

"The 'Longer Sunfish' is a designer’s favourite due to its eccentric, almost modern silhouette. What truly sets this example apart is the Victorian deep ebony frame. The depth of the moulding creates a wonderful sense of gravitas, making it feel less like a flat print and more like a curated specimen from a 19th-century gentleman's library. It is a perfect 'Cabinet of Curiosities' piece."

Condition Report

The lithograph is in very good original condition, with the colours remaining bright and saturated. The paper shows light, natural age-toning consistent with its 140-year history.

The Victorian deep ebony frame is in excellent structural condition. It retains its original dark, lustrous finish with only minor surface marks that attest to its period authenticity. The glazing is clear, and the piece is ready for immediate display.

Measurement

Height:            33 cm /      13 inch

Width:             38 cm /      15 inch

Depth:             9 cm /         3.5 inch

Weight:           1.2 k.g. /     2.6 lbs