Lot 12: Edward Roper (British, 1830-1909) A study of sea life in the North Atlantic

Edward Roper
(British, 1830-1909)
A study of sea life in the North Atlantic signed, dated and inscribed 'ERoper/June 15th 1873/Animals as seen in/Lat 32 N - Long 45.W' (lower left), extensively inscribed (on the mount)watercolour heightened with white49 x 31cm (19 5/16 x 12 3/16in).

Provenance: Through the artist's family.The mount inscription includes a diagram and key, and reads as follows:'1. Physalia, or Portuguese man of war2. Velella or Salle mar3. Glaucus or sea lizard4. Great Pipe fish5. --- or floating crab6. Cestus Veneris, or Venus' Girdle (?)7. Variation of medusa8. Nearer view of portions of no.69. Janthina fragilis or Violet Snail ---The other fish are unknown as --namesAnimals taken on Board "Thos Stephens"/on passage from Australia, June 1873/--- 32 N.Lat 45 W Long'Please note that lot** also depicts a sequence from this same journey on board Thomas Stephens from Melbourne to London in 1873.