Red Mottled Rock-crab (Cancer grapsus)
Mark Catesby, published 1731–1743
- Artist
- Mark Catesby
- Date
- published 1731–1743
- Type
- Medium
- etching and engraving with hand coloring on laid paper
- Dimensions
- 35.7 × 25.5 cm
- Collection
- National Gallery of Art, Washington
- Licence
- Public domain, CC0
Image description
This is a drawing showing two species of crabs. One crab is labeled "Pagurus maculatus" with a vibrant shell, detailed legs, and pincers. It has a spiral shell. The other crab is labeled "Cancer chelis crassissimis" with a broader body and intricate line work, colored in browns and hints of blues. The drawing highlights the anatomy and aesthetic differences between the two species.