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Oarfish at the Cosmorama, London, 1849
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Oarfish at the Cosmorama, London, 1849
Engraving showing an Oarfish, or Regalecus Glesne, which was on display at the Cosmorama, Regent Street, London, in 1849
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Media ID 4397667
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10221585
EDITORS COMMENTS
This engraving captures the public's fascination with the natural world during the Victorian era, as depicted in this 1849 image of an Oarfish on display at the Cosmorama in Regent Street, London. The Cosmorama was a popular entertainment venue known for its panoramic paintings and taxidermy displays, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The Oarfish, scientifically known as Regalecus glesne, was an especially intriguing addition to the Cosmorama's collection due to its unusual appearance and elusive nature. The Oarfish is a deep-sea fish, typically found in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans at depths of up to 3,000 feet. Its long, serpentine body, which can grow up to 36 feet in length, and dorsal fin resembled a royal scepter, earning it the name "Regalecus," meaning "kinglike." The fish's unique appearance, combined with its infrequent sightings, made it a popular subject for scientific inquiry and public fascination. The image shows the Oarfish on display in a large glass case, surrounded by curious onlookers. The fish's body is carefully preserved, its scales shimmering in the artificial light. The engraving's intricate details highlight the fish's long, slender body, its dorsal fin raised, and its large, round eyes. The Cosmorama's staff members are shown assisting visitors, answering questions and providing additional information about the fish's habitat and behavior. This engraving offers a glimpse into the past, providing a window into the public's fascination with the natural world and the role of institutions like the Cosmorama in satisfying that curiosity. The Oarfish's display at the Cosmorama in 1849 was a significant event in the history of natural history, illustrating the importance of preserving and sharing knowledge about the natural world with the wider public.
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