A detailed seventeenth-century etching by Albert Flamen, capturing two bream fish on a riverbank with precise line work and naturalistic observation.

This etching by Albert Flamen depicts two bream fish resting upon a riverbank. Flamen, a Dutch artist active in France during the seventeenth century, produced a significant body of work focused on aquatic life and birds. His approach to printmaking combines scientific observation with the conventions of the period, placing the specimens within a recognisable, albeit stylised, riverine environment.

The composition centres on the two fish, rendered with precise cross-hatching to define the texture of their scales and the curvature of their bodies. The background features a modest dwelling and a distant shoreline, providing context to the scene without distracting from the primary subjects. The inclusion of the Latin and French names, 'Brema. La Brame.', at the bottom of the plate indicates the print was likely part of a larger series intended for educational or collector purposes. The phrase 'Cum priuil. Regis' denotes that the work was produced under royal privilege, a common practice for printmakers of the era to protect their intellectual property.

Flamen's technique demonstrates a mastery of the etching needle, using varied line weights to create depth and shadow. The contrast between the detailed foreground and the lighter, more atmospheric background is characteristic of his style. This print offers a glimpse into the seventeenth-century interest in taxonomy and the natural world, presented through the lens of a skilled printmaker. The work remains a clear example of the intersection between art and natural history, capturing the physical attributes of the fish with accuracy while maintaining a balanced, aesthetic composition suitable for a collection of fine prints.