Leptomedusae — Faltenquallen (1904) by Ernst Haeckel

Underwater lacework, perfectly engineered. From Haeckel’s landmark Kunstformen der Natur (Art Forms in Nature), this jellyfish plate arrays Leptomedusae in lyrical symmetry—bells, canals, and tentacles rendered with surgical elegance. It’s biology as ornament, a showpiece for naturalists, designers, and Art-Nouveau devotees alike.

Why it captivates

• Haeckel’s precision — organic forms distilled into pattern and proportion.

• Graphic grace — filigree tentacles and ribbed bells that read beautifully at any distance.

• Science meets style — taxonomic clarity that doubles as striking wall art.

• Timeless pedigree — from one of the 20th century’s most influential visual science works.

• Versatile palette — calm neutrals with subtle colour accents suit classic and modern interiors.

What you’ll see

A radiant constellation of leptomedusae arranged in Haeckel’s signature radial compositions: translucent umbrella bells, delicate marginal tentacles, and finely drawn radial canals. Labels and plate numerals complete the scholarly poise—order, symmetry, and motion frozen in a single, elegant sheet.

A richer historical frame

Published between 1899–1904, Kunstformen der Natur united observation and design, shaping museum displays and the vocabulary of Art Nouveau. These jellyfish exemplify Haeckel’s project: turn the ocean’s intricacy into clear, teachable images—nature as architecture, poised between science and art.

Choose your finish

🌟 Heavyweight Paper (160 gsm matte)
Archival-grade, smooth matte stock ideal for framing under glass. Crisp linework, minimal glare.

💎 Laminated (True Encapsulation)
Sealed in 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate, edge-to-edge. Durable, wipe-clean—great for busy spaces.

🪵 Laminated + Timber Hang Rails (Ready to hang)
Lacquered natural timber rails with fitted hanging cord; no frame required.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.

🏆 Archival Canvas (395 gsm HP Professional Matte)
Museum-quality texture with pigment-based, fade-resistant inks for rich colour and fine detail.

🪵 Canvas + Timber Hang Rails (Gallery-ready)
As above, supplied with lacquered natural timber rails and hanging cord.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.

Size (W × H)

600 × 841 mm (approx. 23.62 × 33.11 in)

• Orientation: Portrait

• Aspect ratio: ~5 : 7

• Nearest standard frame: A1 (594 × 841 mm) portrait with a custom mat window cut to ~596 × 837 mm (2–3 mm overlap).

• Framing tips:

  • Classic: warm off-white mat, slim black or walnut moulding.

  • Contemporary: float-mount in a 70 × 100 cm or A0 frame for generous negative space.

Custom sizing: Available on request (alternative aspect ratios or added white border).

Specifications

Who it’s for

• Designers & stylists seeking elegant natural geometry

• Natural-history lovers and collectors of scientific plates

• Educators & students of biology, pattern, and form

• Gift-givers after a cultured, conversation-starting print

Our Commitment

Every print is produced locally in Australia on premium substrates with careful colour management, then checked and packed by hand so it arrives ready to impress. From studio to wall, we stand behind the craftsmanship and historical integrity of your piece.

Let Haeckel’s ocean lacework bring calm precision to your space—order your Leptomedusae — Faltenquallen print today.