The mermaid and her redfish pet

For Mermaid and her red fish pet I used mainly two the fantastic illustrations of Louis Renard (Various fish and Mermaid) and Johann Christoph Volkamer (Bergamotto della grand sorte). I wrote about Joahnn Volkamer in my previous post.

This is my favorite digital manipulation from all I submitted to the challenge. For those who aren't familiar with the process, I can share that it takes a lot of time to go through each illustration. They must be cleaned and retouched before use. They are perfect for it. In fact, I think they are gorgeous and try not to change much.

I had to Google Louis Renard, of course. He was a publisher, bookseller, and spy for the British Crown (employed by Queen Anne, George I, and George II).

The book from where these illustrations came from was published in 1719, with the second edition in 1754, Poissons, Ecrevisses et Crabes and is the earliest known publication in color on fish from the waters of the East Indies. The book contains 100 plates bearing more than 400 hand-colored engravings of fish, crustaceans, insects, a dugong, and a mermaid. The engravings were supposedly based on drawings from life by the artist Samuel Fallours (active 1703–20) which belonged to Baltazar Coyett, Governor of Ambon and Banda (1694–1706), and to Mr. Van der Stael, Governor of the Molucca Islands. The text found amongst the images is about recipes and not very scientific. The eighteenth-century book readers must have been fascinated by the exotic ocean life of the Indies. There's a lot of fantasy in shape and color used, some fish does not even look real, but they are marvelous. Read about it and explore here for more fish illustrations of Louis Renard.

Where can you purchase products with Mermaid and her redfish:

1. REDBUBBLE Maria Fernandes online Store <<< Just click to view more!

A favorite! Tote Bag! Selected design printed on both sides, 1 inch wide super strong cotton shoulder strap (14 inch length). Soft yet hard-wearing 100% spun Polyester Poplin fabric. Dry or Spot Clean Only

2. Society6 BelinhaFernandes online store <<< Just click to view more!

A favorite! Floor Pillows are the cushiest cushions ever crafted. Made with 100% polyester for a soft touch, and overstuffed with firm-yet-plush fill so they never lose shape. Features a bar tack center stitch for an aesthetic dimple - and to prevent rips. Spot clean with warm water and mild detergent.

3. Zazzle - Papelustro online store <<< Just click to view more!

Mermaid and red fish pet metal lunch box

by papelustro

A favorite!Adorable and durable, our metal lunch box is perfect for those in love with the classic style. Customize the front and back with images, text and designs for a fabulously fun lunch time for your kids or yourself!

Dimensions: 6.75” l x 8.625” w x 3.75” h
Weight: 12 oz.
Made of durable and food safe tin plate
Food contact safe interior material
Customize front only or both front and back
Choice of 6 base colors
Collapsible black plastic handles
CPSIA complaint