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1880 Sir Richard Owen engraved portrait
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1880 Sir Richard Owen engraved portrait
Richard Owen (20, July 1804- 18 December 1892) 1880s engraving by C.H. Jeens. 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 his scientific legacy is limited. Partly this is because of his reluctance to theorize, and partly it 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 6318517
© This image is Paul D. Stewart 2009. Do not reproduce without permission of the photographer at Stewartpauld@aol.com
Anatomist Archetype Black And White British Biologist British Museum Of Natural History Comparative Anatomy Cuvier Darwin Enemy Darwin Fossils Dinosaur Dinosauria Fossils Hunterian Huxley Mantell Palaeontologist Richard Owen Taxonomy Victorian Zoologist Mono Chrome
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the engraved portrait of Sir Richard Owen, a prominent figure in the scientific community during the Victorian era. Created by C. H. Jeens in the 1880s, this artwork beautifully captures Owen's distinguished appearance. Sir Richard Owen was not only a comparative anatomist and palaeontologist but also one of the most influential biologists of his time. His significant contributions include coining the term "Dinosauria" in 1842 and establishing the renowned British Museum of Natural History at South Kensington in 1881. Despite his remarkable achievements, Owen's scientific legacy remains somewhat limited due to certain factors. His reluctance to theorize and his later antagonism towards proponents of evolution by natural selection, particularly Thomas Huxley, tarnished his reputation. Additionally, he faced criticism for being unwilling to admit mistakes or accept constructive feedback while maneuvering positions to claim credit for discoveries made by others. Nevertheless, this engraving immortalizes Sir Richard Owen as an archetype of Victorian science—a dedicated zoologist who tirelessly studied fossils and conducted groundbreaking research on comparative anatomy. Although overshadowed by some controversies surrounding him, there is no denying that he played a pivotal role in shaping our understanding of prehistoric life through his work with dinosaurs such as Moa and Mantell. Paul D. Stewart's meticulous reproduction ensures that this historical artifact continues to inspire awe among those fascinated by both artistry and scientific exploration.
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