Two fish paintings Arthur William Devis (1712-1787)

The diptych presents a study in contrasts and stillness, centered around depictions of fish. The left panel establishes a scene of recent activity, while the right offers a more contemplative view.
Here we see a large fish lying on a damp bank, its scales rendered with meticulous detail that captures both their texture and reflective qualities. Behind it, a discarded fishing net hangs from a tree branch, suggesting a moment interrupted or a hunt concluded. The landscape in the background is hazy, receding into indistinct hills under a muted sky. A sense of quietude pervades this side; the fish appears to be resting, perhaps awaiting further action.
The right panel shifts the focus entirely to the subject matter itself. Another substantial fish rests on a similar bank, but here the setting is broader and more expansive. The river stretches into the distance, framed by rocky cliffs and dense foliage. The light falls differently, illuminating the fish from an angle that emphasizes its form and silvery hue. This panel lacks any indication of human intervention; there are no nets or tools present, only the natural environment and the solitary fish.
The pairing of these two panels invites consideration of themes related to abundance, capture, and release. The left side speaks to the act of acquisition – a successful fishing expedition – while the right seems to contemplate the inherent value of life beyond human interaction. One might interpret this as an exploration of the relationship between humanity and nature, or perhaps a meditation on mortality and the cyclical processes of existence.
The deliberate contrast in composition – the active versus the passive, the contained versus the expansive – suggests that the artist is not merely depicting fish but exploring broader philosophical concepts through their representation. The muted color palette throughout reinforces this sense of quiet reflection, allowing the viewer to focus on the subtle nuances of form and texture.