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Tridacna maxima R�g, 1798, giant clam
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Tridacna maxima R�g, 1798, giant clam
Plate 76 from a bound volume of illustrations used for Lamarcks Genera of shells. Watercolour and graphite on paper, c. 1820 by Anna Children (became Atkins) (1799-1871) Date: 1820
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Media ID 14239172
© Mary Evans / Natural History Museum
Bivalve Bivalve Mollusc Bivalvia Clam Images Of Nature Lamellibranch Lamellibranchia Mollusc Mollusca Mollusk Women Artists Anna Atkins Giant Clam Invertebrata Tridacna Tridacna Maxima Tridacnidae Veneroid Veneroida
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This stunning watercolor and graphite illustration depicts Tridacna maxima, also known as the common giant clam or Rög clam, from Plate 76 of Anna Atkins' groundbreaking work, "Genera of Shells" (1847). Anna Atkins, born Anna Maria Children in 1799, was a British botanist and photographer, but her early work focused on illustrating various species of mollusks, including this magnificent bivalve. The illustration, created around 1820, showcases the intricate details of the Tridacna maxima's shell, with its distinctive wavy lines and undulating ridges. The female clam is depicted partially open, revealing the interior of its soft tissue. Anna Atkins' illustrations were produced using the cyanotype process, a photographic technique she mastered, making her one of the earliest known photographers. However, this particular illustration is not a photograph but a traditional watercolor and graphite work. The accuracy and beauty of her illustrations contributed significantly to the advancement of zoological knowledge during the 19th century. The Tridacna maxima, a large bivalve mollusk, is native to the Indo-Pacific region. It can grow up to 1 meter (3 feet) long and weigh up to 100 kg (220 lbs). The clam's large size and distinctive appearance make it a popular subject for scientific study and marine conservation efforts. This illustration is a testament to Anna Atkins' artistic talent and her significant contributions to the fields of zoology and scientific illustration. It is a captivating reminder of the rich natural history and the intricate details of the marine world that continue to inspire curiosity and wonder.
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