Actiniae — Sea Anemones, Kunstformen der Natur (1904)
Filigree tentacles, radiant discs, living architecture. In this celebrated plate from Ernst Haeckel’s Kunstformen der Natur (1904), sea anemones (Actiniae) bloom like underwater fireworks—biology rendered as ornament, symmetry turned to wonder. A perfect fusion of science and design for a striking, intelligent wall piece.
Why it captivates
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Nature’s geometry — radial symmetry and repeating motifs with hypnotic calm.
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Art + science — precise morphology presented with museum-grade elegance.
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Ornamental influence — the roots of Art Nouveau in living forms.
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Crisp draughtsmanship — clean lines and meticulous shading that pop at scale.
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Versatile palette — sea-glass greens, corals, and warm neutrals that suit modern interiors.
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Statement artwork — refined focal point for studies, libraries, and living rooms.
What you’ll see
An ordered array of sea anemone species—top views of oral discs, side profiles of columns and tentacles, and sectional diagrams—each numbered and captioned. Up close: hairline stipple, delicate gradients, and tidy legends. From a step back: a serene, botanical-scientific tapestry.
A richer historical frame
Haeckel’s Kunstformen der Natur (1899–1904) distilled marine and microscopic life into 100 plates that shaped visual culture—informing designers, architects, and scientists alike. The Actiniae sheet exemplifies his aim: make nature’s hidden order visible, and irresistibly beautiful.
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—perfect 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 tone 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)
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Orientation: Portrait
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Aspect ratio: ~0.713 : 1
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Nearest standard frame: A0 portrait (841 × 1189 mm) with a custom mat
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Framing tips:
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Classic look: cut the mat window to ~596 × 837 mm to overlap edges by 2–3 mm.
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Contemporary look: float-mount in an A0 frame for a generous gallery reveal.
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Custom sizing: Available on request (alternative aspect ratios or added white border).
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Actiniae — Sea Anemones, Kunstformen der Natur |
| Painted/Date | 1904 |
| Historical Context | Natural-history plate from Haeckel’s seminal portfolio; biology informing decorative arts |
| Commission | Published plate for Kunstformen der Natur (no separate institutional commission) |
| Print Size | 600 mm (W) × 841 mm (H) |
| Available Finishes | Paper, Laminated, Laminated + Timber Hang Rails, Canvas, Canvas + Timber Hang Rails |
| Paper Weight | 160 gsm archival matte |
| Laminate | 2 × 80-micron gloss (true encapsulation) |
| Canvas Weight | 395 gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas |
| Inks | Pigment-based, fade-resistant |
| Optional Hang Rails | Natural timber, lacquered; fitted hanging cord (allow up to 10 working days) |
| Origin | Printed in Australia |
Who it’s for
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Natural-history enthusiasts & educators
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Design lovers inspired by Art Nouveau and scientific plates
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Collectors & stylists curating intelligent, heritage-rich interiors
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Gift-givers celebrating new homes, studios, and milestones
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 underwater symmetry light your space—order your fine-art print of Haeckel’s Actiniae today.
