Aurelia aurita, jellyfish
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Aurelia aurita, jellyfish
A glass model of a jellyfish, created by Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka in the late nineteenth century and held at the Natural History Museum, London
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14237936
© Mary Evans / Natural History Museum
1822 1895 1857 1939 Aurelia Aurita Blaschka Cnidaria Cnidarian Coelenterata Coelenterate Fragile Hydrozoa Hydrozoan Jelly Jelly Fish Jellyfish Leopold Leopold Blaschka Medusa Jellyfish Medusozoa Rudolf Rudolf Blaschka Scyphozoa Scyphozoan Tentacle True Jellyfish Invertebrata Semaeostomeae Ulmaridae
EDITORS COMMENTS
This exquisite glass model of Aurelia aurita, commonly known as the mauve stinger jellyfish, is a stunning creation by Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka, two renowned nineteenth-century naturalists. Housed at the Natural History Museum in London, this intricate work of art was produced between 1857 and 1939 by the father-and-son team, who were renowned for their meticulous attention to detail and their ability to capture the beauty of marine life in glass. Aurelia aurita is a type of jellyfish belonging to the class Cnidaria, and more specifically, to the subclass Hydrozoa and the order Scyphozoa. This particular jellyfish is also known as a medusa, and it is characterized by its bell-shaped body and long, trailing tentacles. The Blaschkas' model accurately depicts the delicate, translucent bell and the graceful, undulating tentacles that can reach up to 2 meters in length. The Blaschkas' glass models were not only works of art but also essential tools for scientific research during the Victorian era. These models allowed scientists to study the anatomy and behavior of marine organisms in great detail, as they could be preserved and examined up close without the need for live specimens. Despite their delicate appearance, jellyfish are actually quite resilient and adaptable creatures. They are invertebrates, meaning they lack a backbone, and they belong to the phylum Cnidaria, which also includes corals and sea anemones. The name Aurelia aurita means "golden-rimmed Aurelia," referring to the golden coloration around the edge of the jellyfish's bell. Today, the Blaschkas' glass models continue to inspire awe and fascination, serving as a testament to the natural world's beauty and the ingenuity of those who seek to understand it. The Aurelia aurita model is a particular favorite among visitors to the Natural History Museum, reminding us of the wonders that lie beneath the waves and the importance of preserving and celebrating the natural world.
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