Glass_sea_creatures Ludwig_Reichenbach

blaschka model of sea anemones

director of natural history museum in dresden, professor reichenbach faced annoying yet seemingly unsolvable problem in regards showing marine life. land-based flora , fauna not issue, relatively simple matter exhibit mounted , stuffed creatures such gorillas , elephants, there lifelike poses attracting , exciting museums visitors. invertebrates, however, , nature, posed problem. in 19th century practiced method of showcasing them take live specimen , place in sealed jar of alcohol. of course killed but, more importantly, time , lack of hard parts rendered them little more colorless floating blobs of jelly. neither pretty nor terribly effective teaching tool, prof. reichenbach wanted more, 3d colored models of marine invertebrates both lifelike , able stand test of time. and, per remarkably coincidence, in 1863 saw exhibition of highly detailed, realistic glass flowers created bohemian lampworker named leopold blaschka @ exhibition hosted prince camille de rohan; , prince first introduced reichenbach leopold blaschka.

blaschka model of jellyfish

enchanted botanical models , positive leopold held key ending own showcasing issue, in 1863 reichenbach convinced , commissioned leopold produce twelve model sea anemones. these marine models, hailed artistic marvel in field of science , scientific marvel in field of art, prof. reichenbach needed and, @ last, provided outlet wonder leopold had felt years ago when observing phosphorescent ocean life. key fact, though, these glass marine models were, acknowledged, true nature, , such represented extraordinary opportunity both scientific community , blaschkas themselves. knowing , thrilled newly acquired set of glass sea creatures, reichenbach advised leopold drop current , generations long family business of glass fancy goods , in favor of selling glass marine invertebrates museums, aquaria, universities, , private collectors. advice prove wise , fateful both economically , scientifically, leopold did dresden natural history museum director suggested. decision swiftly sparked blaschkas highly lucrative mail-order business of selling glass sea creatures interested parties literally across globe. poetically, though reichenbach did not know it, many years later showcasing problem , manner of finding blaschkas repeated harvard professor george lincoln goodale - goodale getting idea creation of glass flowers harvard s own collection of glass sea creatures.

sadly, however, original 6 glass sea anemones purchased ludwig reichenbach in 1863 rest of first collection destroyed in bombing of dresden in world war ii.