Ostraciontes–Kofferfilche

This painting by Ernst Haeckel, titled "Ostraciontes–Kofferfische," is a striking and detailed depiction from his well-known work *Kunstformen der Natur* (Art Forms in Nature), published between 1899 and 1904. This particular plate showcases a variety of boxfishes, a group known scientifically as Ostraciidae.The image captures the distinctive and somewhat whimsical appearance of boxfishes, which are known for their rigid, box-like shapes. These fishes have bodies enclosed in bony plates that form a solid, carapace-like structure, which serves as an effective defense mechanism against predators.In Haeckel’s illustration, various species of boxfish are shown with remarkable detail, highlighting their unique body configurations, patterns, and colors. The textures and the intricate patterns on their bodies are rendered with high precision, reflecting Haeckel's commitment to both scientific accuracy and aesthetic beauty. The palette is rich and vibrant, using earthy tones that bring out the naturalistic qualities of these marine creatures.Additionally, Haeckel included representations of the microscopic structure of the scales and bony plates, seen in the insets surrounding the main images.