Merquiol L, Tribot A-S, Faget D, Denys G P J, Richard T, Changeux T
Aix Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO, ITEM, Marseille, France.
UMR TELEMMe, MMSH, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, Aix-en-Provence, France.
NPJ Biodivers. 2025 Sep 2;4(1):33. doi: 10.1038/s44185-025-00103-8.
Our study explores the use of Italian still-life paintings from the Early Modern Period (16-18 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 representation of vulnerable and emblematic Mediterranean species in light of climate change, overexploitation and species biogeography. Our research highlights the powerful role of paintings in reconstructing past exploited ecosystems, offering a unique perspective for informing contemporary conservation efforts.
我们的研究探讨了如何将近代早期（16至18世纪）的意大利静物画用作过去地中海水生生物多样性的历史记录。遵循环境史的方法，我们分析了画作中的分类组成，首先考察了由技术和社会文化影响所塑造的地理和时间变化。在考虑这些因素之后，我们对所描绘的分类单元进行了详细的生态学解读。我们的研究结果揭示了由于捕鱼方式的演变和技术进步，资源利用已从淡水转向海洋。烹饪传统、宗教和美学等社会文化元素也对物种呈现产生了强烈影响。我们根据气候变化、过度开发和物种生物地理学，讨论了对地中海脆弱和标志性物种呈现的生态学解读。我们的研究突出了画作在重建过去被开发生态系统方面的强大作用，为当代保护工作提供了独特视角。
