HAECKEL, Ernst (1834–1919)

In the original parts as issued, preserved in the original wooden boxes that makes it possible to take out any of the magnificent plates for study one by one. Art in Nature – the fascinating Beauty of Lower Organisms. With Kunstformen der Natur it was Haeckel’s intention to introduce to ‘an extended circle of artists and those interested in the natural sciences the hidden features of the organic world, which, in the lower orders of the animal and vegetable kingdoms, has developed into a little known realm of fascinating form and beauty.’ The work fulfilled all expectations. Scarcely no publication of that time had made a greater contribution to representing so strikingly the unique beauty of such hitherto elusive marine (and other) organisms. Kunstformen der Natur even served as a pattern for the arts and crafts of the Art Nouveau epoch. The plates of radiolarians, foraminifers, sponges, medusae, peridiniums, diatoms, ciliates or flagellates are plainly magnificent works of art obviously executed with great dedication (R. Zingg). ”Haeckel’s artistic endeavors were characteristic of him. During his many trips he produced numerous watercolors and vivid descriptions of his travels that are still charming. His Kunstformen der Natur corresponded to his ’monistic religion’ with its three ’cult ideals of the True, the Good, and the Beautiful.’” (DSB).

Collation: Together 11 parts or Lieferungen – all, except for the first, preserved in the original pictorial wrappers. Parts I-X contain 100 lithographed plates, each with descriptive text-leaf. Part XI is a supplement with 52 pages of text including the title-leaf dated 1904; there is also a separate title-leaf for the second volume [Zweite Sammlung]; the separate title-leaf for the first volume [Erste Sammlung] is apparently lacking. One leaf of contents and one leaf with preface.

Binding: Preserved in the original fall-down-back boxes made of wood, with the same decoration as the wrappers.

References: DSB, VI, pp 6-10.