ASCIDIAE-SEESCHEIDEN

Discover the alien, otherworldly beauty of the ocean floor with this meticulous reproduction of "Ascidiae" (also known as Seescheiden, or Sea Squirts) by the 19th-century biologist and artist Ernst Haeckel.

This stunning plate is a highlight from Haeckel’s revolutionary 1904 portfolio, "Kunstformen der Natur" (Art Forms in Nature). In this work, Haeckel didn't just document life; he revealed the inherent artistry in life. He took humble, often-overlooked tunicates and, with an artist's eye, arranged them into a complex, symmetrical composition that feels both ancient and futuristic.

This print is a symphony of organic forms, showcasing the intricate, plant-like, and geometric structures of these fascinating deep-sea creatures. It was Haeckel's profound belief that science and art were one, and his "Art Forms in Natures" series went on to heavily influence the Art Nouveau movement.