Ernst Haeckel’s Sublime Drawings of Flora and Fauna: A Meeting of Art and Science

If you’ve ever come across the tension between scientists and philosophers, you might be forgiven for assuming the two fields have always been at odds. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, during the early modern period, science and philosophy were deeply intertwined. Scientists were known as “natural philosophers,” adept in everything from logic to theology. They were also often talented artists, honing their drawing skills to illustrate their findings long before photography or computer imaging existed. Among these multi-talented individuals stands Ernst Heinrich Haeckel, a German biologist, naturalist, philosopher, and artist whose work continues to astound.

Haeckel’s contributions to science are vast. He named and described thousands of species, devised genealogical trees, and introduced terms still in use today, such as "ecology," "phylum," and "stem cell." But his legacy extends far beyond scientific nomenclature. Haeckel was also a masterful artist, blending scientific accuracy with artistic elegance to produce some of the most visually striking depictions of life ever created.

The Art Forms in Nature: A Masterpiece of Natural Beauty

Haeckel’s most celebrated artistic work is Kunstformen der Natur (Art Forms in Nature), a collection of 100 prints first published in 1889. This series, later compiled into two volumes in 1904, is a mesmerising display of intricately detailed, vibrantly coloured illustrations of the natural world. “Each organism Haeckel drew has an almost abstract form,” notes Katherine Schwab at Fast Co. Design, “as if it’s a whimsical fantasy he dreamed up rather than a real creature he examined under a microscope.”

The subjects of Haeckel’s drawings range from delicate sponges and microscopic organisms to far-flung flora and fauna. His renderings reveal the stunning geometries and symmetries inherent in nature, often resembling architectural feats or intricate designs. These works didn’t just serve scientific purposes; they also captivated the public and influenced the burgeoning Art Nouveau movement with their stylised elegance and surreal beauty.

Science Meets Philosophy and Aesthetics

Haeckel’s holistic approach to his work was unique. For him, art, science, and philosophy were not separate disciplines but complementary ways of understanding the world. As professor Rainer Willmann writes in Taschen’s The Art and Science of Ernst Haeckel, Haeckel aimed “to secure the attention of those with an interest in the beauties of nature” and to highlight “the proximity of these two realms” through the interplay of science and aesthetics.

This marriage of art and science is particularly evident in his methodical yet imaginative representations of natural life. Olaf Breidbach, in his 2006 book Visions of Nature, describes Kunstformen der Natur as “not just a book of illustrations but also the summation of his view of the world,” which fully embraced Darwinian evolution. Haeckel’s works were not merely decorative; they were deeply philosophical, underscoring the interconnectedness of all living things.

Ernst Haeckel’s Legacy: Art and Science in Harmony

Despite his scientific achievements, Haeckel’s legacy today is more closely associated with his art than his biology. This shift is bittersweet. As a Dover publication reprinting Art Forms in Nature notes, his illustrations played a significant role in “causing the acceptance of Darwinism in Europe.” Yet, as time passed, interest in Haeckel the biologist-philosopher waned. His art, however, continues to captivate and inspire.

It’s hard to overstate the importance of Haeckel’s art in communicating the wonders of nature. In an age when evolutionary biology was still new and controversial, his images brought the intricacies of the natural world to life for both scientists and the general public. Today, they remind us of the inherent beauty in nature’s designs and the value of a multidisciplinary approach to understanding life.

Exploring Haeckel’s Work Today

For those eager to explore Haeckel’s artistry, Taschen’s The Art and Science of Ernst Haeckel offers a comprehensive collection of 450 of his drawings, watercolours, and sketches across a stunning 704 pages. While it’s a pricey tome, there are more accessible options. High-resolution scans of all 100 original prints from Kunstformen der Natur are available online for free, offering a zoomable view of Haeckel’s extraordinary work. Alternatively, Dover Publications offers a one-volume reprint of Art Forms in Nature, making this treasure trove of natural beauty available to a wider audience.

Why Haeckel’s Work Matters

Though Haeckel himself may have considered his art secondary to his scientific pursuits, the reverse is true for many today. His art endures as a testament to the interplay of science and aesthetics, showing how the two can enrich each other. As we face a world increasingly disconnected from nature, Haeckel’s vibrant depictions of life remain a vital reminder of its complexity, fragility, and interconnectedness. Whether viewed through the lens of art, science, or philosophy, Haeckel’s work continues to inspire awe and admiration, bridging the gap between disciplines and inviting us to see the natural world anew.