The Art and Science of Ernst Haeckel XXL Edition

Where science meets art. The Art and Science of Ernst Haeckel is a spectacular XXL Taschen volume celebrating the 19th-century German biologist, naturalist, and artist whose intricate illustrations turned the natural world into mesmerizing works of art.

Edited by Julia Voss and Rainer Willmann, this monumental collection brings together 450 of Haeckel’s finest prints, drawn from his most important publications including Kunstformen der Natur, Die Radiolarien, Monographie der Medusen, and Die Kalkschwämme. From delicate jellyfish and microscopic radiolarians to sponges, corals, and orchids, each plate reveals the remarkable geometry, symmetry, and pattern found throughout nature.

Haeckel spent his life documenting flora and fauna, combining scientific rigour with an unmistakable artistic sensibility. His drawings helped visualize concepts of evolution and went on to influence generations of artists, designers, and architects. At more than 15 inches tall and over 15 pounds, the XXL format lets that detail breathe.

Key Features

• Publisher: Taschen
• Artist: Ernst Haeckel, edited by Julia Voss and Rainer Willmann
• Format: XXL hardcover, 704 pages, 11.2 x 15.6 in., approx. 15.7 lbs.
• Content: 450 prints of jellyfish, radiolarians, sponges, corals, orchids and other organisms
• Style: Natural history, scientific illustration, botanical and marine art
• Best For: Coffee table styling, design libraries, natural history collections, collectors

Styling Suggestions

Haeckel’s palette — coral, sea blue, cream — makes this a natural fit for coastal and organic-modern interiors. Lay it flat as a stack base on a coffee table, or open it on a stand to a jellyfish plate and treat the spread as rotating art.

The Perfect Gift

An unforgettable gift for lovers of art, natural history, botanical illustration, marine life, biology, and nature-inspired design. Ideal for graduations, retirements, milestone birthdays, and holiday gifting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Ernst Haeckel?
Ernst Haeckel (1834–1919) was a German biologist, naturalist, physician, and artist who discovered and named thousands of species and whose illustrations shaped both scientific understanding and Art Nouveau design.

Where do the illustrations come from?
The 450 prints are drawn from Haeckel’s major publications, including Kunstformen der Natur, Die Radiolarien, Monographie der Medusen, and Die Kalkschwämme.

Is this an art book or a science book?
Genuinely both. The plates are scientific records and design objects at the same time, which is exactly why the book sits as comfortably in a design library as a natural history collection.

What size is this book?
An XXL hardcover measuring 11.2 x 15.6 inches and weighing about 15.7 pounds. Multilingual edition in English, French, and German. ISBN 978-3-8365-2646-3.

Why Shop Mood by DMJ

Mood by DMJ is Lafayette, Louisiana’s destination for elevated home, art, and lifestyle objects. Our curated Taschen library is selected for its design integrity, craftsmanship, and timeless appeal. Shop in-store or online with confidence.

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