A joint exhibition of biological science illustrations was recently showcased at the Nantong Museum, featuring a collection of botanical and biological science artworks from the Beijiang Museum and Nantong Museum.

The Beijiang Museum, the predecessor of the Tianjin Natural History Museum, was founded by the French naturalist Emile Licent, who spent 25 years in China conducting scientific research and personally creating numerous botanical illustrations. These artworks, vibrant in color and beautifully composed, cover a wide range of plant categories, including algae, gymnosperms, and angiosperms.

Licent meticulously depicted not only the external appearance of plants but also created detailed anatomical drawings of flowers, fruits, and seeds, accompanied by thorough textual descriptions, showcasing a rigorous scientific approach.

Additionally, the exhibition featured hand-drawn biological science illustrations by Professor You Qiwei, a renowned Chinese entomologist. You's contributions to the field of entomology are remarkable, and his book Outline of Entomology is China's first systematic theoretical work on entomology. His illustrations are precise, lifelike, and include detailed line drawings of insect structures for publications, as well as various biological anatomy drawings for educational purposes.

This joint exhibition of biological science illustrations not only educates the public on science and promotes the spirit of science but also allows more people to appreciate the unique charm of combining science and art.

Botanical and biological science artworks are showcased at the exhibition. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

A video about the exhibition. [Photo/Nantong Daily]