Ernst Haeckel and Art Forms in Nature
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Haeckel's Art Nouveau Art of Nature
The first time I heard of Ernst Haeckel was 2008 at the local Farmer's Market. An artist and friend showed me the book she had just acquired of his Art Forms in Nature: The Prints of Ernst Haeckel (Monographs). My first impression was Wow! I started to think how awesome these illustrations would look folded into paper medallions. I bought a couple of books, a clip art CD and I spent many hours looking at the drawings to absorb the style.
Ernst Haeckel (1834-1919) was a multifaceted individual, and viewed at his time, a free thinker, flamboyant, and an eminent man of thought and science in Germany during the late 19th century. He was influenced by the German Romantic Movement and well known as a popular speaker, writer and artist.
His pursuits included a medical doctorate, professorship of zoology, studies in biology, taxonomy, lecturer, and painting. Haeckel embraced Darwinism and was the inventor of the family tree scientific concept that was used in textbooks up until the seventies.
I had not heard of Ernst Haeckel in my 45 years of reading and I was mildly intrigued with the influences he made in many schools of thought to later generations. His work is credited in many fields and ideologies. He coined scientific words used today. Ecology and phylum to name two. He certainly contributed to art history with his Art Forms in Nature.
Plate 84 * Art Forms in Nature by Ernst Haeckel
Diatoms
The Young Man Ernst Haeckel
Finds he does not like the medical profession
Ernst Haeckel graduates from high school in 1852 and begins medical studies. He is introduced to marine biology and takes expeditions as an assistant studying marine life. In 1858 he is licensed as a general practitioner and opens his own practice, but tentatively takes a teaching position at Jena.He painted watercolors during 1859 and is now thinking of being a landscape painter or a scientist. He opts for zoology and remains a professor at Jena for 47 years. He writes his friend "life is anything but tedious owing to nature's inexhaustible richness which...produces ever new, beautiful and fascinating forms that provide new material to speculate and ponder over, to draw and describe.... in addition to the scientific element, it involves artistic matters to a large degree."
Haeckel Spends a Lifetime at the University of Jena
Works on art, zoology and thought
His papers were richly illustrated with his own work. His work proved him a scientist and an artist. Haeckel arranged and enhanced his subjects with symmetry and the style of the day. His approach was of the Art Nouveau style that was becoming popular during the Romantic Movement. Certainly his Art Forms in Nature help cement the Art Nouveau look. Designers and architects of the day used his art in many of their own creations.This was a researcher in science and an artist. His career left more than 1000 drawings and plates. Art Forms in Nature was comprised of 100 plates in subscription form offered 10 at a time starting in 1904.
In 1907 he lays the corner stone of the Phyletic Museum. The museum was exclusively financed by Haeckel and donated funds.
The Marine Biological Laboratory has a good site about Haeckel. Short biography, introduction and taxonomy page gives a good overview of Ernst Haeckel. Also includes plate notes from Haeckel's original publication. The Marine Biological Laboratory, Ernest Haeckel.
Fish from Plate 42 Arts Forms in Nature
Plate 88 from Art Forms in Nature
Disk Jellies, Haeckel Ernst
Nature as Art
Haeckel Enjoyed Nature
The Romantic Movement was marked by the acceptance of emotions as a valid experience. Today such an idea is everyday life. Americans experience awe and emotion through travel and new sights; horror, such as in "horror movies", fright in thrill rides, and amazement like in political news and TV magazine shows.As a young man Haeckel approached a life's work in a romantic sense. To be truthful not every individual has that chance, he was from a family that held eduction to high esteem and they were willing to financially help their son. To study marine life as a zoologist and then put those studies to an art form was, I imagine, very exciting.
He abandoned a medical career to study microscopic creatures of the sea in 1859. In 1862 he published his Radiolarien, a monograph of hundreds of plates illustrating the various forms of protozoa and their microscopic mineral skeletons. The plates are crowded with detail and repeat forms, and were embraced by the arts and crafts movement. He became a household name and the monolith became entertainment for Victorian parlors.
Later plates of Haeckel included the whiplash, or the wavy lines characteristic of Obrist a German artist whose Cyclamen wall hanging appeared in 1892. Haeckel's designs embraced art nouveau. By 1900 the art nouveau movement was in full prominence. The Paris Exhibition of 1900 was designed entirely in the art nouveau style.
For an interesting photo collection see L' Exposition Universelle de 1900 à Paris.
A flickr collection in color is very absorbing. Paris Exposition of 1900 by the Brooklyn Museum. These photos are from the Creative Commons.
Haeckel Publishes Art Forms in Nature
John Audubon pursued this very method of art and art distribution with his "Birds of America" 1837-1839. Haeckels Plates 72, 74, 92 and 99 are very reminiscent of Audubon's work. Art Nouveau was already a trend and Haeckel borrowed heavily from it for his Art Forms in Nature. Applying this way of seeing nature was a good fit because detail could be utilized to the fullest.
A certain level of fascination is present in each plate and detail draws you in much like the "find the hidden object" games in a child's magazine. Ernst Haeckel was awed by nature and made it available to the middle class for study and enjoyment.
Current Publication of Art Forms in Nature
Art Forms in Nature: The Prints of Ernst Haeckel (Monographs)
Amazon Price: $15.54 (as of 05/31/2012)
List Price: $25.00
Used Price: $12.47
This book has all of the plates. There is a very good biography that is not too long to read and gives a good amount of information. Also, an essay on "...Viewing Haeckel's Pictures", and his art's relationship to art nouveau. Large format book. This is the book that introduced me to Ernst Haeckel. It is not expensive. By paperfacets.
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Books About Ernst Haeckel
Reprint Copy of 1899 Haeckel Publication
The Riddle Of The Universe At The Close Of The Nineteenth Century
Amazon Price: $30.91 (as of 05/31/2012)
A 408 page Haeckel publication called "The Riddle Of the Universe At The Close Of The Nineteenth Century". Written 1899. This is a photo copy of the original. You get original type and book design.
A quote from the book follows. "...our astounding theoretical progress in sound knowledge of nature, but also by remarkably fertile practical application of the knowledge in technical science, industry, commerce, and so forth. On the other hand, however, we have made little or no progress in moral and social life, in comparison with earlier centuries..."
Paris World Exposition
By 1900 Haeckel is a Household Name
1900 Paris Exposition Entrance gates by Rene Binet based on Haeckel's radiolarian drawings.
Design for glass chandelier Oceanographic Museum, Monaco taken from Plate 88.
The Museum was built in 1910.
Museum picture from official website Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
Please leave a comment if you have visited the Museum and if this chandelier indeed hangs there.
All 100 Plates Available to Everyone
Ernst Haeckel Plates on Wikimedia
All the plates of Ernst Haeckel's Art Forms in Nature are available on Wikimedia Commons.The site is at Haeckel on Wikimedia.
For a review about the new book "The Tragic Sense of Life: Ernest Haeckel and the Struggle Over Evolutionary Thought" by Robert J. Richards visit P D Smith.
Plate 62 at right.
Photos of Haeckel House in Jena
- Photo Haeckel's Study
- This link and the following are photos by Linda6769 on flickr.
- Ernst Haeckel´s desk and waste-paper basket
- Linda's photos are copyrighted. All rights reserved.
- Haeckel´s study
- Study
- Ceiling in Ernst Haeckel´s house
- Ceiling medallion
- Ernst Haeckel´s house
- Exterior of Ernst Haeckel's house
- Ernst Haeckel in Jena
- Plaque
Ernst Haeckel Was a Darwinist
Do You Agree with the Principles of Darwinism?
Has the test of time and the discoveries since The Origins of the Species was written, put you in Haeckel's column?
joannalynn says:
The evidence for evolution cannot be disputed. Not only do we see it very clearly in the fossil record, there are examples of the evolutionary process occurring in our lives today. For instance, the evolutionary rates of bacteria and viruses are quite rapid. One reason pediatricians do not want to medicate children often with antibiotics is that bacteria gain resistance quickly. So, with regular antibiotic treatment, selection will favour resistant bacteria i.e. the bacteria resistant to the antibiotic will survive, and reproduce. Subsequently, new antibiotics must be developed to treat resistant bacteria. This does not mean I am not a spiritual person. A firm hold in evolutionary theory does not have to be at odds with spirituality.
nelchee says:
Science all the way. Even if Darwin wasn't 100% correct, you really can't compare it to a Bible story..
fish-oil-expert says:
Yes, but I also agree with Creationism! XD
LeslieMirror says:
It's a science
craigmitchell says:
I'm not 100% but..
No, I am in the Creationist column, because...
gwhayes says:
I agree with shermanmorrison. I do not believe it has to be one or the other. I think all these different ideas/theories/books/etc. are trying to explain the same thing. Since he put himself in the Darwinism column, I'll put myself in the Creationist column to even it out.
dariameister says:
Perhaps not creationist, but I'm very spiritual and feel like our bodies may be separate from our spirits and it's how our spirits came to inhabit our bodies that I am interested in. The question of when our consciousness arrived on the planet and how is very interesting to me.
miaponzo says:
Absolutely not... I am a Creationist all the way (which doesn't preclude some forms of alterations of species over time.. ).. God created everything :)
KateHon says:
Nope.
mattheos says:
Hahaha, no I don't! I do find it interesting that you didn't have a module about Haeckel's faked embryology pictures :)
Plate 27 Comb-bearing Jellyfish
An educational work inspired by Haeckel
Update 08/31/2010
This short DVD is perfect for the person who knows very little about Ernst Haeckel. For me, being one who has seen the new 3D in theaters of the 21st century it is a bit disappointing and it is short on facts that would excite the new discoverer of Ernst Haeckel. I was more excited about the current popular book that is in book stores now. sv
Proteus
Amazon Price: $14.50 (as of 05/31/2012)
List Price: $24.95
Used Price: $16.21
Review on Amazon by Gerard D. Launay
This movie could only be made because two individuals made it their mission to do the impossible. First, we have Ernst Haeckel, the zoologist, who became fascinated by the symmetrical structure of single celled organisms and discovered thousands of new species. Then he undertook the Herculean task of drawing all these different types that he viewed under his microscope. Then we have the filmmaker who decided to painstakingly photograph a thousand of these wonderful drawings of nature, turn them into animation cells, and produce a kaleidoscopic visual feast of their nearly infinite variety.
The first task was completed in about a decade...the second task two decades. So the final product is simply astonishing. Along with the
visuals of these extraordinary protozoan structures is a biography of Ernst Haeckel himself and the relationship of his scientific journey to the metaphysical journey of Samuel Taylor Coleridge in his poem of the "Ancient Mariner."
Consider this a unique DVD - nothing like it has ever been made and will be made.
Release Date: 09/16/2008
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Who Is Blogging About Ernst Haeckel
- Standard Deviations: The Digital Art of Michael Holcomb Opens In Reno
- Let's say sometime in the 19th century, George Boole, who created the algebra that's the basis for digital logic and computer science, met the German biological illustrator Ernst Haeckel and they decided to make art. It might have looked very much like ...
- TRADITION WITH A CONTEMPORARY TWIST
- His creation was inspired by German biologist and artist, Ernst Haeckel. Interesting forms are translated into clothes that use Thai traditional embroidery techniques on Thai silk tailored pieces. Wuthigrai Siriphon won the first runner-up award.
- Northwest Weekender: Spring concerts, open galleries and farmer's markets
- His Masonite flora paintings possess a staggeringly lifelike quality through their vivid colors and crisp detail, and might remind some of Ernst Haeckel. Steigerwald passed away in June 2011. The Chestnut Hill Gallery is open 10 am to 6 pm on Friday ...
Ernst Haeckel Link List
The World Is Rediscovering Ersnt Haeckel
- Ernst Haeckel to Wear and More
Zazzle is the place to go for your favorite Ernst Haekel themes. Put sea creatures on clothing, stationary and electronic items.
- Coloring Pages by Ernst Haeckel
The Internet has coloring pages of Haeckel images. Tutorial on how to find and print them for homeschooling and coloring fun.
- Rocky Road: Ernst Haeckel
- Some pros and cons of Haeckel's personality and thought. Well written and interesting.
- Ernst Haeckel
- New World Encyclopedia
- Ernst Haeckel and the Microbial Baroque
- Essay on Haeckel's art, evolution and thought influences for today and the past. Pictures of Haeckel inspired art.
- Antique Pyrography Work
- Photos of a bookcase that is in Ernst Haeckel's house in Jena, Germany.
- Ernst Haeckel: Lithographs from Kunstformen der Natur (Art Forms in Nature) 1899-1904
- A 2005 art show depicting" Art Forms in Nature" as sculpture. A very good show explanation included about Haeckel. Colorful pictures included of the sculptures.
- Ernest Haeckel
- Wikipedia Information.
- Tribute to Haeckel
- On flickr in blue
Is Ernst Haeckel New to You?
Ernst Haeckel on Twitter
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- Paraphyso
- @phylogenomics it's also a badly written piece. Has this guy never heard of Ernst Haeckel? "men-of-war" is not the plural, either! #idiot
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- benjomora
- "Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny" --Ernst Haeckel
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- JedEffertz
- Framed Prints of Charles Darwin receiving homage from Ernst Haeckel from Mary Evans: 14x11 Framed Print, Black S... http://t.co/W2WR6OcV
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- MDeKobold
- Voor wie het nog niet kent: Ernst Haeckel's Kunstformen der Natur (1904) vrij te downloaden! http://t.co/S9bFLOmQ #awe-inspiring!
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- paperfacets
- Ernst Haeckel and Art Forms in Nature http://t.co/SVkQM33Q
My FavoriteTwitter Finds about Ernst Haeckel
People blog about Haeckel. He is becoming more appreciated and viewers are fascinated with his art nouveau style. Here are my favorites. Vote on the Haeckel links you find most interesting below.
Ernst Haeckel Green Melethallia Cross Stitch Pattern PDF : NicheStitch - ArtFire Patterns
Cross stitch pattern of a Haeckel Plate.
This colorful more...1 point
Artforms of Nature from the subblue blog.
A fractal twist to the ever inspiring illustrations more...0 points
THEORY: Organic Shapes- Ernst Haeckel's Art Forms in Nature « ASIFA-Hollywood Animation Archive
What this professor says at Hollywood Animation Ar more...0 points
Haeckel Inspired Art
Artists the world over are continuing to be inspired by Ernst Haeckel's style and subjects. Modern day artists and the visually inspired everyday viewer, are excited by their first experience of Haeckel's nature drawings.The following are the inspirations Haeckel generates. Here are poster options, an app and more for your home decor and viewing pleasure.
Medusa
New version of the Medusa by Timothy Horn made of silicon rubber. Fantastic. See news clip and photo site at toddhosfelt's Weblog on Haeckel inspired chandelier. Scroll for his April 22, 2008 posting.Chandelier is inspired by the medusa in plate #88 above.
Computer Art Based on Haeckel
Crazy kaleidoscope based on Plate 85. Ascidians.Artists and Designers on Zazzle Love Ernst Haeckel
Browse Zazzle for 100s of Ernst Haeckel Items
Below is a sample of what is available. Also see stationary, ties, hats, stickers, address labels and more.
Ernst Haeckel - Discomedusae3 by LisasLair
View other Haeckel Posters
Molgula tubulosa, Ernst Haeckel by vintagetreasurechest
Become a clothing affiliate for Zazzle.
Polycyclus cyaneus, Ernst Haeckel by vintagetreasurechest
Make Travel mugs online with Zazzle
Ernst Haeckel Posters
Haeckel inspired art posters are available at Allposters.com.
Buy This Allposters.com Allposters offers over 70 Haeckel posters. Some are modernized with new backgrounds and colors.
Haeckel as iPad App
Additional Links to Ernst Haeckel Inspired Art
- Haeckel Inspired Generative Geometry
- Sculptures.
- "Seed Pod" Sculpture Blooms At Night With Solar Energy
- Solar energy lights this Haeckel inspired street art.
- Deedee Morriston Sculpture
- The official website of Morrison. Haeckel inspired metal and light landscape sculptures.
Art Nouveau Posters
I think it is the attention to detail that draws people in. Like in nature there is infinite complexities. The style is well suited to illustrate the many layers that make up the natural world.
Buy at AllPosters.com
I invite you to visit Allposters.com to find a perfect print for your decorating scheme. Just search art nouveau.
Ernst Haeckel: Artist and Zoologist
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iijuan12
May 5, 2012 @ 11:51 pm | delete
- Wow!!! Fabulous lens! Very helpful info and gorgeous to boot. Blessed and liked.
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GypsyWhim
May 4, 2012 @ 6:55 am | delete
- Stunning lens with great info! Thank you for sharing this with the world! Good luck to you!
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joannalynn
Apr 30, 2012 @ 11:40 pm | delete
- Haeckel was quite the thinker, and you are clearly passionate about his work.
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aruraza
Apr 22, 2012 @ 1:02 pm | delete
- Incredible lens I just love it!
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scarlettohairy Apr 21, 2012 @ 4:06 pm | delete
- These images are lovely! Very talented man.
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by paperfacets
Haeckel's art and science has proved ageless. We still enjoy viewing his Art Forms in Nature and extensively use his coined word "ecology". Who was E... more »
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Haeckel's Radiolarian Research
Art Forms From The Ocean: The Radiolarian Atlas Of 1862
Amazon Price: $14.19 (as of 05/31/2012)
This work is Haeckel's first and drew much attention to his artistic skills and his love of detail.
Featured Is Some of My Haeckel Inspired Monoprints
