Oceanic Sharks — Goode & Bean, 1895

Four oceanic sharks appear in precise lateral profile in this late nineteenth-century zoological plate, their distinctive bodies, fins and tails rendered through exceptionally restrained linework and stippling. Arranged vertically against a warm ivory field, the specimens create a composition that feels simultaneously scientific and remarkably graphic.

The plate comes from George Brown Goode and Tarleton H. Bean’s Oceanic Ichthyology, published in Washington in 1895. The landmark work documented deep-sea and pelagic fishes and was based chiefly on collections made by the research steamers Blake, Albatross and Fish Hawk. Its combination of careful observation, generous negative space and finely printed detail gives this plate the distinctive character of nineteenth-century natural-history illustration.

The subtle monochrome palette allows differences between the four specimens to remain immediately visible, while the aged paper tone preserves the archival presence of the original publication. Small figure numbers and taxonomic captions retain the plate’s scientific context without overwhelming its elegant composition.

Artwork Details

• Artist/Creator: George Brown Goode and Tarleton H. Bean
• Title: Oceanic Sharks, Plate II
• Original title: Oceanic Ichthyology, Plate II
• Series: Oceanic Ichthyology
• Date: 1895
• Period: Late 19th century
• Place of Origin: Washington, D.C., United States
• Medium: Scientific book plate illustration

Framed Print Details

• Fine art printing: Professional 12-color fine art printing technology produces vivid, accurate colors with strong tonal depth and significantly greater nuance than standard 4-color inkjet printing.
• Paper: Smooth premium matte paper with a clean, glare-free finish.
• Paper weight: 200 gsm (80 lb).
• Paper thickness: 0.26 mm (10.3 mils).
• Frame material: Durable pine wood.
• Frame dimensions: Approximately 20 mm (0.79 in) deep and 10–14 mm (0.4–0.6 in) wide.
• Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass protects the print while keeping the framed artwork lightweight.
• Ready to hang: A hanging kit is included, allowing the framed print to be mounted directly on the wall.
• Available sizes: Offered in a range of sizes to suit different spaces.
• Materials: Printed using FSC-certified paper and wood where available.
• Production: Each framed print is produced to order through a trusted international network of professional print studios.
• Shipping: Worldwide shipping is available.
• Made to order: There is no minimum order quantity. Each piece is printed and assembled on demand, reducing unnecessary stock and waste.

Exact frame dimensions, component availability, and production specifications may vary slightly depending on the selected size and destination.