Peter Artedi

Lore & Background

Artedi was born in Anundsjö in the province of Ångermanland. Before parting, they reciprocally bequeathed manuscripts and books, agreeing to finish each other's work if one predeceased the other.

Reader's Guide

Peter Artedi's significance lies in his foundational work in ichthyology, earning him the title 'father of ichthyology' for classifying fishes into groups. His collaboration with Linnaeus was crucial; their mutual agreement to complete each other's work ensured Artedi's manuscripts survived after his accidental drowning in a canal in Amsterdam on 27 September 1735. Artedi's legacy is also marked by Linnaeus naming the monotypic genus Artedia (Apiaceae) after him. His grave in St Anthony's churchyard was unmarked and later appropriated for other purposes.

Did You Know?

• Artedi drowned in a canal in Amsterdam on the night of 27 September 1735 after falling while returning from Albertus Seba's home.
• He was buried in a pauper's grave in St Anthony's churchyard in Amsterdam on 2 October 1735; his grave was never marked.
• Linnaeus named the monotypic genus Artedia (Apiaceae) after his friend.
• A memorial stone to Artedi was unveiled in Amsterdam Zoological Gardens on 28 June 1905.