Ernst Haeckel's 'Kunstformen Der Natur' Highlights (PHOTOS)

Before microscopes could take pictures, biologists had to draw their specimens. One of the most talented biologist-artists was Ernst Haeckel (1834-1919), an influential scientist in his own right who is best known among non-scientists for his detailed, carefully arranged drawings of microscopic animals and plants.

In honor of Haeckel's 178th birthday, February 16, we selected 21 drawings from "Kunstformen der Natur"—German for
"art forms of nature"—a best-of collection of his biological artwork. The subjects aren't just the tiny, geometrically shaped creatures he's commonly known for, but also include bats and full-color scenes of frogs and lizards.

Science visualization regularly brings us some of the most memorable images out there, and Haeckel was the granddaddy of them all. Keep clicking for 21 of the maestro's greatest hits.

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Comments

[sephia]

12:03 AM on 02/28/2012

those will be great in my next decoupage project!

[Cydsterie]

03:18 AM on 02/23/2012

awesome

[southingtonian]

05:58 AM on 02/21/2012

AOL couldn't spring for identifying captions?

[Kristen Merino]

11:44 AM on 02/18/2012

I may not be a great fan of his recapitulation theory, but wow is his art beautiful. Might I recommend Robert J. Richard's recent book about Haeckel, "The Tragic Sense of Life." It really made me change my perspective on Haeckel, his work, and his life.

[Maverickpower]

08:46 PM on 02/17/2012

How miraculously beautiful !! Amazing , we look awkward in comparison !!

[TheEmptyMonty]

02:37 PM on 02/17/2012

Life sure does come in some pretty forms. These are amazing.

[Blind WatchMan]

02:35 PM on 02/17/2012

ALIENS!

[Dante in Madison]

02:27 PM on 02/17/2012

Absolutely phenomenal work.

[Godiva]

02:21 PM on 02/17/2012

Extraordinary.

[Bruckley]

02:19 PM on 02/17/2012

Nice to see someone who obviously loved his work.

[Michael Chichi]

02:09 PM on 02/17/2012

More of Haeckel's brilliance can be found at Synaptic Stimuli http://synapticstimuli.com/observe-nature-take-rest-in-her-bosom-and-she-will-nourish-you-with-in-unbounded-ways/

[blisslet]

03:30 PM on 02/17/2012

Great link! Thank you.

[Maverickpower]

08:51 PM on 02/17/2012

Thank you SO much for sharing , the are gorgeous and so are you , fanned !!!

[gcogs]

02:05 PM on 02/17/2012

Really beautiful artwork here. Also, is that organism in the second picture wearing a top hat?

[Jim Washington]

02:00 PM on 02/17/2012

Dazzling!

[Happy Kine]

02:00 PM on 02/17/2012

Great stuff, got to love the human mind and hand , still our strongest tools.

[Chazz280V]

01:32 PM on 02/17/2012

Amazing.