Ernst Haeckel Funnel Ctenophores and Cephalopods Plate

This reproduction of a naturalist plate highlights the fascinating shapes of funnel ctenophores and various cephalopods. Taken from Ernst Haeckel’s collection Kunstformen der Natur, the illustration details the complex anatomy of these marine organisms, oscillating between scientific precision and visual harmony. The shades of grey and orange emphasize the delicacy of the biological tissues.

The original work, published between 1899 and 1904, bears witness to Haeckel's encyclopedic ambition. The German biologist sought to reveal the geometric perfection of living things through highly refined lithography. This work marked the history of natural sciences while exerting a major influence on the aesthetics of Art Nouveau through its ornamental treatment of organic structures.

This antique illustration is intended for enthusiasts of natural history and marine biology. It constitutes an ideal study object or a sober decorative element for a contemporary cabinet of curiosities. Its symmetrical composition invites attentive observation of the diversity of the underwater world, capturing the essence of 19th-century oceanographic research.