Two fish paintings Arthur William Devis (1712-1787)

The diptych presents a study in marine still life, divided into two distinct yet related scenes. The left panel displays several fish arranged on a sandy shore. These appear to be mackerel, their silvery scales rendered with careful attention to light and texture. They are positioned amongst scattered shells and pebbles, suggesting recent capture or abandonment by the tide. Behind this foreground arrangement, a landscape unfolds: a distant coastline punctuated by buildings and a sailing vessel, hinting at human presence and activity beyond the immediate scene of abundance. The sky is overcast, lending a muted quality to the overall atmosphere.
The right panel offers a different composition centered around a single flatfish, its underside prominently displayed. A lobster lies nearby, alongside more shells and what appears to be a discarded fishing tool – a long pole with a line attached. Again, a coastal landscape forms the backdrop, though it is slightly less detailed than in the left panel. The light here seems softer, contributing to a sense of quietude and perhaps even melancholy.
The pairing of these panels suggests a contemplation on themes of natures bounty and human interaction with the sea. The presence of the fishing vessel and buildings implies an economic dependence on marine resources, while the discarded shells and tools evoke a transient quality – a reminder that abundance is not constant. The arrangement of the fish themselves, seemingly lifeless yet meticulously depicted, could be interpreted as a meditation on mortality and the cycle of life and death.
The diptych’s structure reinforces this duality; one panel emphasizing the dynamism of capture and the vastness of the sea, while the other focuses on stillness and the aftermath of human intervention. The contrast in light and composition further enhances this sense of division, inviting a comparative reading that explores the complexities of our relationship with the natural world.