Ammonitida. – Ammonite Horns
1904
This stunning plate from Ernst Haeckel’s 1904 book *Kunstformen der Natur* (Art Forms in Nature) transforms extinct ammonite fossils into mesmerizing, spiraling sculptures. Haeckel was a German biologist who believed nature was the ultimate artist, and his incredibly detailed drawings helped spark the Art Nouveau movement with their emphasis on organic symmetry. Looking at these intricate shells, it’s easy to see why designers of the early 20th century were so obsessed with natural forms—they look like alien jewelry or futuristic architecture. The plate, titled 'Ammonitida,' showcases the incredible variety of these ancient cephalopods, from smooth spirals to spiky, ribbed armor.
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