Ernst Haeckel

Ernst Haeckel (1834-1919) was a German biologist, philosopher, and artist. He played an important role in spreading Charles Darwin's theory of evolution in Germany, and is also known for proposing the theory of recapitulation, which states that "ontogeny repeats phylogeny." Haeckel created detailed and beautiful illustrations of microorganisms and marine life he observed under a microscope , and his works combine scientific accuracy with artistic beauty.

Ernst Haeckel Biography

• Born February 16, 1834 in Potsdam, Germany.
• He studied medicine at the Universities of Berlin and Würzburg.
• From 1859 to 1860, he conducted research on marine life in Messina, Italy.
• In 1862 he became professor of comparative anatomy at the University of Jena.
• In 1866, he published "General Morphology" and proposed the theory of repetition.
• Between 1899 and 1904 he published "Kunstformen der Natur" (Artistic Forms of Nature).
• He died in Jena on August 9, 1919 (aged 85).

Representative works

• Artistic Forms of Nature (1899-1904)
• "Art Forms in Nature"
• Anthropogenie (History of the Development of Man) (1874)

Haeckel's style and achievements

Haeckel's work is characterized by his detailed and beautiful depiction of the forms of living organisms. He depicted the microorganisms and marine life he observed under a microscope, emphasizing their symmetry and geometric beauty. His works are highly regarded not only for their scientific accuracy, but also as works of art.

As a biologist , Haeckel not only contributed to the popularization of the theory of evolution, but also conveyed to people the diversity and beauty of the natural world through his beautiful illustrations . His work is also significant in terms of the fusion of science and art.