![Recco, Giuseppe [Naples, 1634 – Alicante, 1695], Natura morta con pesci e molluschi (1675-1680). Collezione Intesa Sanpaolo, Gallerie d’Italia (Naples); image courtesy of the Archivio Patrimonio Artistico Intesa Sanpaolo, photographic credit: Luciano Pedicini, Naples.](https://telemme.mmsh.fr/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Recco_Pesci-e-Molluschi.jpg)
Louise Merquiol, post-doctorante, représente TELEMMe et le programme BiodivAquArt à la 3e Conférence des Nations-unies sur l’océan qui se tient à Nice en ce mois de juin 2025 (UNOC3). Dans le cadre du One Ocean Science Congress, qui réunit 2000 scientifiques spécialistes des océans du 3 au 6 juin, en amont de la Conférence afin d’informer les décisions qui y seront prises, Louise Merquiol communiquera sur « Aquatic Life in Art: From Historical Perspectives to Modern Conservation » vendredi 6 juin à 11h. Cette communication présentera les résultats du projet BiodivAquArt, porté par TELEMMe et le MIO, qui étudie les évolutions de la biodiversité marine à travers l’art, dans une perspective d’histoire environnementale.
Cette présentation a par ailleurs été sélectionnée pour être mise en lumière par le programme ECOP Insiders porté par le Réseau français des universités marines (RUM), Sorbonne Université, l’Université de Bretagne occidentale et le comité d’organisation du congrès. À cette occasion, Louise Merquiol a été interviewée par Noémie Coulon (UMR MARBEC, Université de Montpellier) et Alexandre Simoes (étudiant en alternance chez BFMTV.com). Cette interview fait l’objet d’une vidéo à retrouver sur les réseaux sociaux (Instagram).
Abstract
Aquatic Life in Art: From Historical Perspectives to Modern Conservation
Thomas Changeux1, Anne-Sophie Tribot2, Louise Merquiol2, and Daniel Faget2
- 1Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, Marseille, France
- 2Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, TELEMME, Aix-en-Provence, France
Our communication examines the depiction of aquatic life in art and its significance for understanding human interactions with marine ecosystems over time. Historically, artistic representations have portrayed the ocean as an inexhaustible resource, reflecting societal attitudes towards the environment.
The human connection with aquatic environments is ancient, as evidenced by Neanderthal remains and early depictions of marine species. Greek and Roman arts, with rich mythologies and detailed representations, demonstrate early engagement with marine life. Later, the Renaissance and 17th-century still-life paintings in the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy saw a flourishing of detailed depictions of marine creatures. This shift in artistic focus continued into contemporary art, where representations are less about realism and more about exploring human perceptions and imaginations of the ocean. Such artworks provide insights into how modern societies grapple with environmental degradation and their desire to reconnect with nature.
Our works highlights the growing relevance of environmental history in biodiversity conservation. By examining artworks from different historical periods, we collected valuable data about past ecosystems. For example, depictions of freshwater fish in 17th-century paintings align with observed declines in specific species like sturgeon and salmon. This correlation between artists’ regional backgrounds and the species they depicted underscores the reliability of art as a historical record.
We also argue that the sensory and emotional impact of art can evoke strong responses in viewers, connecting them to memories and experiences of nature. This dimension is crucial in fostering respectful relationships with the natural world, yet it is often overlooked in conservation discourse. Initiatives like the collaborative book Merveilles aquatiques, l’art de représenter le vivant aim to bridge art and science, promoting new connections between society and the marine environment.
Ultimately, our communication asserts that art plays a crucial role in raising environmental awareness and shaping human perceptions of marine life. It calls for interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists, artists, and researchers to explore the intersection of aesthetics, history, and ecology in fostering sustainable relationships with the ocean.
Informations pratiques
- Date : vendredi 6 juin à 11h
- Lieu : Room 3, Quai Amiral Infernet, Port Lympia, Nice
