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Argonauta argo (males), octopus
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Argonauta argo (males), octopus
A glass model of two octopuses, 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 14237437
© Mary Evans / Natural History Museum
1822 1895 1857 1939 Argo Argonaut Argonauta Blaschka Cephalopod Cephalopoda Fragile Leopold Leopold Blaschka Males Mollusc Mollusca Mollusk Octopod Octopoda Octopus Rudolf Rudolf Blaschka Tentacle Argonauta Argo Invertebrata
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning glass model showcases the intricately detailed anatomy of Argonauta argo, better known as the Greater Argonaut or the Male Argonaut, displayed at the Natural History Museum in London. Created by the renowned father-and-son team Leopold (1822-1895) and Rudolf Blaschka (1857-1939) in the late 19th century, this fragile masterpiece is a testament to their exceptional glassworking skills. The Argonauta argo is a unique member of the Argonautidae family, characterized by its elongated, oval-shaped body and eight arms, each adorned with two rows of suckers. The males possess a long, hollow, horn-like structure called a hectocotylus, which they use to transfer spermatophores to the females during mating. The Blaschka's glass models, which include various marine invertebrates, were produced during the Victorian era when natural history museums were at the height of their popularity. These models were meticulously crafted to provide accurate representations of their subjects, enabling scientists and the public to study and appreciate the intricacies of the natural world. The Argonauta argo model, with its delicate tentacles and lifelike details, is a prime example of the Blaschka's dedication to capturing the essence of their subjects in glass. This photograph captures the timeless beauty and historical significance of this glass model, offering a glimpse into the natural history of the past while showcasing the artistry of the Blaschka's creations. The Argonauta argo model remains an enduring symbol of the natural world's wonders and the human curiosity that drives us to explore and understand it.
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