Triceratium robertsianum diatom pendant ~ 42mm tal

~Triceratium robertsianum pendant ~ 42mm (1.65 inches). Professor Ernst Haeckel (pronounced Heckel) was a German biologist, philosopher & artist. A contemporary of Darwin, he held similar theoretical views on evolution & natural selection (he also coined the term 'ecology' amongst many other things). His masterwork 'Kunstformen der Natur' (Art Forms of Nature), a collection of 100 plates - meticulous drawings of life forms - was published in 1904. A pdf file is available here http://caliban.mpiz-koeln.mpg.de/haeckel/kunstformen/natur.html, & is in the public domain. It is thought to be influential on the Art Nouveau movement & remains an iconic work of 'science/art fusion'.

This 42mm high pendant is based on one of those detailed, but somewhat idealised renderings (the drawing was no doubt achieved by acute & patient observation peering through a microscope) - bottom left of plate 84. Triceratium robertsianum is a diatom - a form of phytoplankton - seen neer the center of the first still photo here www.youtube.com/watch?v=0z-zBy3UQQE. Diatoms (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatom) are usually microscopic unicellular marine organisms, but can be up to 2mm in size & some live in freshwater & even soil. The model was created using 'box' polygon-modeling techniques utilising 2D drawings or images only as reference. The pendant would look great printed in gold plated brass, gold plated glossy & antique bronze glossy but would also suit silver glossy, transparent detail & probably frosted ultra detail - diatoms have a shell called a 'frustule' made of silica so the transparent or translucent look would be apt.

Designed by Orbyt in Auckland, New Zealand - 3D models inspired by art forms in nature are available through the orbytnz Shapeways shop... Please note that as the 3D printed pendant is delivered directly from Shapeways it does not include a jump-ring, or a cord or chain - it's just the pendant by itself.  ~ right click in the youtube window & click 'loop' ~