public domain

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.

Brünnhilde does not look happy. I don't blame them. These two images of a remarkably patient cat dressed in armor and a winged helmet were taken in 1936 and show that humanity's love of fun cat pictures long predates the rise of the internet. I hope Brünnhilde was given a nice treat and many pets after modelling for these photos.

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.

Dragons have been a fascination of humankind for centuries. By this point in history the name represents a host of mythical creatures from all across the world, ranging from giant malevolant fire-breathing winged lizards to beneficent serpents with spiritual meaning.