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Spongosphaera streptacantha, radiolarian
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Spongosphaera streptacantha, radiolarian
A glass model of a radiolarian, created by Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka in the late nineteenth century and held at the Natural History Museum, London
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Media ID 14238180
© Mary Evans / Natural History Museum
1822 1895 1857 1939 Blaschka Eukaryote Eukaryotic Fragile Leopold Leopold Blaschka Protist Protista Radiolaria Radiolarian Radiozoa Retaria Rhizaria Rudolf Rudolf Blaschka Polycystinea
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: A Victorian Elegance: The Fragile Beauty of Spongosphaera streptacantha, a Radiolarian, Preserved in Glass by Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka 2.. This exquisite glass model of Spongosphaera streptacantha, a radiolarian, is a testament to the extraordinary artistry and scientific curiosity of the late nineteenth century. Created by the renowned father-and-son team of Leopold (1822-1895) and Rudolf Blaschka (1857-1939) between 1890 and 1930, this masterpiece is now held at the Natural History Museum in London. Radiolarians, also known as radiozoans, are a diverse group of unicellular, mostly marine, eukaryotes belonging to the sub-kingdom Rhizaria. They are characterized by their radial symmetry and the presence of a siliceous or calcareous skeleton. Spongosphaera streptacantha, a member of the Actinommidae family, is a polycystine radiolarian, meaning it has a complex life cycle with both a polyp and a tomont stage. The Blaschka's meticulously crafted glass models were not only works of art but also essential tools for scientific research. Their intricate designs allowed researchers to study the morphology and structure of various marine organisms in great detail. The models were made using a technique called pate de verre, where ground glass was mixed with various pigments and melted in a kiln to create intricate shapes. The delicate beauty of this Spongosphaera streptacantha model, with its intricate, spiraling arms and pointed spicules, is a testament to the Blaschka's mastery of this technique. The model's preservation in glass not only protects the fragile organism but also allows it to be admired for generations to come. This stunning glass model is a reminder of the rich history of scientific exploration and the beauty of the natural world, captured in a Victorian elegance that continues to inspire awe and wonder.
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