Kunstformen der Natur
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Kunstformen der Natur (Artforms of Nature) is a book of lithographic prints by German biologist Ernst Haeckel. Originally published in sets of ten between 1899 and 1904 and as a complete volume in 1904, it consists of 100 prints of various organisms, many of which were first described by Haeckel himself. Over the course of his career, over 1000 engravings were produced based on Haeckel's sketches and watercolors; many of the best of these were chosen for Kunstformen der Natur.
Among the notable prints are numerous radiolarians, which Haeckel helped to popularize among amateur microscopists; at least one example is found in almost every set of 10. Cnidaria also feature prominently througout the book, including sea anemones as well as Siphonophorae, Semaeostomeae, and other medusae. The first set included Desmonema annasethe (now Cyanea annasethe), a particularly stunning jellyfish that Haeckel observed and described shortly after the death of his wife Anna Sethe.
Kunstformen der Natur was influential in early 20th century art, bridging the gap between science and art; it is often associated with art nouveau.
Gallery of prints
External links
- [Marine Biological Laboratory Library] - An exhibition of material on Haeckel, including background on many Kunsformen der Natur plates.
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