A fever dream of jellies and slugs

A new book titled The Art and Science of Ernst Haeckel offers a vivid exploration of the work of the 19th-century German scientist, artist, and philosopher Ernst Haeckel. Published by Taschen in 2026, the volume features 450 detailed illustrations, watercolors, and sketches that capture the intricate beauty of marine life. From jellyfish with trailing tentacles resembling ethereal veils to spiky radiolarians, microscopic ocean dwellers shaped like beehives and temples, the collection presents a surreal vision of the natural world. Haeckel, born in 1834 in Potsdam, which was then part of the Kingdom of Prussia, was a multifaceted figure whose contributions spanned biology, philosophy, art, and medicine. Known for championing Charles Darwin's evolutionary theories during a lecture in Stettin (now Szczecin, Poland) in 1863, Haeckel's influence extended beyond scientific circles. However, his views were often controversial, ranging from the mystical belief that simple unicellular organisms possessed an early form of the soul to racist ideologies that classified humans based on perceived value. Haeckel's academic journey began in 1852 with medical studies. At the University of Würzburg in the Kingdom of Bavaria, his professors recognized his exceptional ability to draw what he observed under a microscope with remarkable precision and speed. Despite these talents, Haeckel's time as a practicing physician was limited. He maintained minimal office hours, seeing only a handful of patients daily, before shifting his focus entirely to marine biology. In 1862, Haeckel published a lavishly illustrated monograph on radiolarians, single-celled organisms that construct intricate silica-based skeletons. His subsequent works expanded into atlases and monographs detailing sponges, corals, and jellyfish. Throughout his long career, Haeckel documented and named thousands of species, many of which bore personal significance. Among these, two species were named in honor of his late wife, Anna Sethe, who passed away in 1864 due to complications from appendicitis. Grieving her loss, Haeckel traveled to Nice on France’s Côte d’Azur, where he encountered a jellyfish in a tidal pool. The creature’s delicate yellow tentacles evoked memories of his wife’s golden hair, leading him to name it Mitrocomae annae, meaning "Anna’s headband." Another jellyfish, Desmonema annasethe, was also dedicated to her, reflecting Haeckel’s deep emotional connection to his wife. Haeckel's fascination with the natural world was evident in his writings. In 1867, he described Siphonophorae, a type of colonial organism, as possessing "the graceful, slim stalk of a flower, its leaves and colorful blossoms as transparent as glass." Some of his sketches were later transformed into glass sculptures, showcasing the enduring impact of his artistic interpretations. The legacy of Haeckel continues to resonate today, particularly through the visual representation of his work. The Art and Science of Ernst Haeckel serves not only as a tribute to his scientific contributions but also as a reflection on the complex interplay between art and science. His depictions of marine life have inspired generations of biologists and artists alike, offering a glimpse into the extraordinary diversity of the natural world. As the book highlights, Haeckel’s work remains relevant, prompting ongoing discussions about the ethical dimensions of his views. While his scientific achievements are celebrated, his controversial beliefs underscore the need for critical engagement with historical figures. The publication of this comprehensive collection ensures that Haeckel’s contributions continue to be explored and debated within contemporary discourse.