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1889 Sir Richard Owen portrait old age cu
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1889 Sir Richard Owen portrait old age cu
Richard Owen (20, July 1804- 18 December 1892). Portrait mezzotint by H.J. Thaddeus. Owen was a comparative anatomist and palaeontologist who became one of the most famous and politically influential biologists of the Victorian era. His achievements included coining the word Dinosauria (1842 Vol. II Report on the British Reptiles), and establishing the new British Museum of Natural History at South Kensington in 1881. He worked hard and wrote prolifically, but despite his clear ambition, his scientific legacy is limited. Partly this is because of his later antagonism towards those who advocated evolution by natural selection (Huxley in particular). Owens reputation was damaged by his unwillingness to admit mistakes or accept criticism, and a tendency to ruthlessly manoeuvre positions to take credit for discoveries
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Media ID 6317427
© PAUL D STEWART/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Anatomist Archetype Black And White British Biologist British Museum Of Natural History Comparative Anatomy Darwin Enemy Darwin Fossils Dinosaur Dinosauria Fossils Hunterian Huxley Mantell Nautilus Palaeontologist Richard Owen Taxonomy Victorian Zoologist Mono Chrome
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the essence of Sir Richard Owen, a renowned biologist of the Victorian era. In this portrait, taken during his old age, Owen's wise and weathered face tells a story of a man who dedicated his life to the study of comparative anatomy and paleontology. Owen's contributions to science were significant; he coined the term "Dinosauria" in 1842 and played an instrumental role in establishing the prestigious British Museum of Natural History at South Kensington. However, despite his accomplishments, Owen's scientific legacy remains limited due to his later antagonism towards proponents of evolution by natural selection, particularly Thomas Huxley. The image also sheds light on some less admirable aspects of Owen's character. His reputation suffered from an unwillingness to admit mistakes or accept criticism, as well as a tendency to maneuver positions for personal credit. Nevertheless, there is no denying that Sir Richard Owen left an indelible mark on the field of biology. Paul D. Stewart masterfully captures both the brilliance and complexity surrounding this influential figure through this monochromatic illustration. As we gaze upon this portrait print, we are reminded not only of Owens' achievements but also of the complexities inherent within any scientific journey – one that involves discovery, rivalry, and sometimes even personal flaws.
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