Italian still life paintings as a resource for reconstructing past Mediterranean aquatic biodiversity.

ABSTRACT: Our study explores the use of Italian still-life paintings from the Early Modern Period (16^th-18^th centuries) as historical records of past Mediterranean aquatic biodiversity. Following an environmental history approach, we analysed taxonomic composition in paintings, first examining geographic and temporal variations shaped by technical and socio-cultural influences. After consideration of these factors, we performed a detailed ecological interpretation of depicted taxa. Our findings reveal a shift from freshwater to marine resource use, driven by evolving fishing practices and technological advances. Socio-cultural elements, such as culinary traditions, religion and aesthetics also strongly shaped species representation. We discuss ecological interpretation of the r

SUBMITTER: Merquiol L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12405436 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature