Haeckel, E.
Kunstformen der Natur. Plate 11. Heliodiscus - Discoidea - Scheiben-Strahlinge [Diatomea].
Leipzig and Wien, Verlag des Bibliographischen Instituts, 1899. Folio-sized sheet, printed on one side (36.3 x 27.3 cm). Chromolithograph.
A very fine, lithographed plate, showing the wonderful symmetry and variability in the skeletons of the unicellular diatom algae. All are finely drawn by the author. Ernst Haeckel, a gifted artist, keen observer, and great zoologist, was the first to explore the riches of nature in microscopic forms, shapes, textures, and ornaments. This highly influenced the Art Nouveau and Jugendstil movements in the fine and applied arts. "Diatoms are a major group of algae, and are among the most common types of phytoplankton. Diatoms are unicellular, although they can form colonies in the shape of filaments or ribbons ... fans ... zigzags ... or stars." (Wikipedia). This plate gives some fine examples. Tiny chip to lower edge, very slight toning to edges, otherwise a very good, clean copy, with the printing delicate, yet strong.