artists

Ernst Haeckel: Octopus and squid

Illustration of an octopus by Ernst Haeckel
Illustration of an octopus by Ernst Haeckel
Ernst Haeckel (1834 - 1919) was many things. He was a prominent marine biologist and zoologist and discovered and named thousands of new species. He was also a physician, philosopher, artist, and promoted Charles Darwin's theories in Germany. Unfortunately he was also a eugenicist and promoted scientific racism. Yet another reminder that otherwise impressive people can believe terrible things.

Julie de Graag

Print of a white cat sitting
Sitting Cat (1918) by Julie de Graag
Julie de Graag (1877-1924) was a dutch painter and print maker. Her work covered a variety of topics, including portraiture, animals, flowers and plants. I was first drawn to her artwork after coming across a series of woodcuts of cats. She captures the essence of the feline form in a variety of poses using bold outlines combined with subtle blocks of colors. Her other work is no less stunning. It varies between these blockier cuts to some with fine lines and incredible detail. It is well worth a view.