Ernst Haeckel was a turn of the century German biologist that changed the world with his scientific illustrations. Trained in many scientific fields, he not only named multitudes of species, he illustrated them as well. Wikipedia describes him as" an eminent German biologist, naturalist, philosopher, physician, professor and artist who discovered, described and named thousands of new species". Kunstformen der Natur, "Artforms of Nature" is the book of his intricate illustrations. Haeckel's illustrations of invertebrates influence the design world even today. This is a classic Finish 1960's Eero Aarnio mushroom lounge chair. Even basic shapes are mimicked in design. These military insignia are a perfect example of the influence of nature. Haeckel's work, as a design element, is still fresh... These drawings provide endless kaleidoscopic combinations of design. It is easy to see how rosettes and baroque scrollwork are based in the nature that Ernst Haeckel illustrated for us. Haeckel's illustrations can be found in his original book form or through reprinted copies.
