11457 Robert Bénard (1734–1777) – View of Cod Fishing Vessels and Techniques – Engraving (1778)
"Fig. 1. Batiment Normand pour la Pêche de la Morue. Fig 2. Distribution des Hains dans la Mer." This engraving features two distinct technical illustrations related to the eighteenth-century cod fishing industry. The upper section depicts a large Norman fishing vessel, a multi-masted ship shown in full sail, navigating the open sea alongside other similar crafts. The lower section provides a cross-sectional view of the ocean, illustrating the method of distributing baited hooks and lines, known as hains, beneath the surface to catch cod. This print was published in Paris as part of the Recueil de Planches for the Encyclopédie of Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d'Alembert. It serves as an essential visual record of the maritime technology and specialized fishing methods that supported the extensive North Atlantic trade during the Enlightenment.
Robert Bénard was a highly prolific French engraver who specialized in technical and scientific illustrations during the Age of Enlightenment. Based in Paris, he was primarily known for his massive contribution to the plates of the Encyclopédie, where he oversaw the production of thousands of engravings documenting trades, sciences, and the arts. His work is characterized by remarkable clarity and precision, designed to convey complex mechanical and industrial processes to a broad intellectual audience. Bénard's technical mastery made him one of the most sought-after engravers of his time for large-scale publishing projects. His legacy remains central to the visual history of eighteenth-century technology and natural history.
Artist or Maker: Robert Bénard.
Dimensions: Approximately 46 cm x 30 cm.
Medium: Engraving.
Date: 1778.
Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.
| Estimate | 200 - 300 SEK |
| Buyers Premium (inc. VAT) | 24.4% |
| Hammer Fee (inc. VAT) | 6 SEK |
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