Cisco (Argyrocomus artedi sisco) by John L. Petrie, 1898

John L. Petrie’s The Cisco of Lake Geneva, Wis., Argyrocomus artedi sisco (1898) is a luminous Victorian zoological illustration that marries scientific rigor with painterly grace. Created for William C. Harris’s landmark project The Fishes of North America at the close of the 19th century, this plate reflects a flourishing era of natural history publishing in which artists and editors sought to capture living coloration before it faded. Petrie’s study presents the cisco with poised clarity, its sleek form suspended in softly rippling water—a portrait of a species rendered as both specimen and subject.

Offered here as a museum-quality fine art print by The Unique Maps Co., this piece is available on acid-free archival paper or artist’s cotton canvas. Choose from a range of sizes to suit intimate studies or statement walls, with optional professional framing. Personalization options include custom titleplates, margins, and dedication lines, so you can tailor the presentation to your space or to the recipient.

About the artist: John L. Petrie was among the talented illustrators who brought late-Victorian natural history to life. Working alongside editor William C. Harris, he observed fresh specimens wherever possible, translating that firsthand study into meticulously painted originals. The resulting chromolithographs—printed in multiple layered inks—preserve not only form but the fleeting surface sheen that defines a fish in its element.

About the subject: The cisco of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, was an emblematic freshwater species for anglers and ichthyologists of the era, prized for its delicate morphology and regional importance. The plate’s historical label reads Argyrocomus artedi sisco, while the fish is commonly known today as the cisco or lake herring (Coregonus artedi). Beyond taxonomy, Petrie’s image documents a living environment: a calm Midwestern lake, a species adapted to the cool depths, and a moment in time when field observation and printmaking worked in concert to expand public knowledge of North American biodiversity.

About the style and color: Executed in a realist idiom, the illustration places accuracy above flourish, yet it remains visually enchanting. Soft greens dominate the water, offset by the warm beige of the paper tone and quiet yellow undertones that suggest refracted light. The cisco’s scales carry a subtle silver-blue iridescence, achieved through careful layering to evoke depth, anatomy, and the quiver of motion. The gently blurred background strokes imply ripples and suspended particulates, while the crisp silhouette and finely notated fins keep the emphasis on identification. It’s a compelling blend of serenity and specificity—ideal for anyone who appreciates the crossover of art and science.

This print makes a thoughtful gift for anglers, biologists, and lovers of natural history; for birthdays, Christmas, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, or a housewarming. It’s also a distinctive choice for those with ties to Wisconsin, Lake Geneva, or the Great Lakes region, and a handsome way to welcome a sense of calm, freshwater color into a study, library, or living room.

If you're not sure what size to order, or you're looking for a custom order of some kind – a different size, a different colour, a special frame – then please contact me. I usually respond within a few minutes.

You can see an example of my fine art personalisation service in the fifth image. Zoom in and take a look. My personalised artwork is always very well received. Take a look at more examples of personalisation.

You can also choose to age your art print to make it look older. This is popular amongst my customers who want their artwork to look like an older, antique print. You can see an example of ageing in the sixth product image, or go ahead and check out lots of examples of other aged artwork.

The model in the listing images is holding the 36x20in (90x50cm) version of this art print.

I can print and frame this beautiful piece of art at sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). If you are looking for a size or framing option that isn't available online, please get in touch.

This artwork is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. My standard frames come in six colours (black, dark brown, dark grey, antique gold, oak and white), and custom framing is available for an additional charge. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.