1889 Sir Richard Owen portrait in old age

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1889 Sir Richard Owen portrait in old age

Richard Owen (20, July 1804- 18 December 1892). 1889 Portrait mezzotint by H.J. Thaddeus with contemporary face but pose taken from an earlier 1852 photograph with dinosaur. Owen was a comparative anatomist and palaeontologist who became one of the most famous and politically influential biologists of the era. His achievements included coining the word Dinosauria (1841/2), the first dinosaur reconstructions (1853) and establishing the new British Museum of Natural History (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 to take credit for discoveries

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Media ID 6318153

© PAUL D STEWART/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

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 captures Sir Richard Owen in his old age, showcasing the distinguished features of a man who left an indelible mark on the field of biology. The portrait, created in 1889 by H. J. Thaddeus, beautifully combines contemporary elements with a pose borrowed from an earlier photograph taken in 1852 alongside a dinosaur. Sir Richard Owen's contributions to science are unparalleled. As a comparative anatomist and palaeontologist, he revolutionized our understanding of prehistoric creatures by coining the term "Dinosauria" in 1841/2 and creating the first dinosaur reconstructions in 1853. His dedication led to the establishment of the prestigious British Museum of Natural History in 1881, solidifying his position as one of history's most influential biologists. However, despite his remarkable achievements, Sir Richard Owen's scientific legacy is somewhat limited due to personal shortcomings. His contentious relationship with proponents of evolution by natural selection, particularly Thomas Huxley, tarnished his reputation. He was known for being unwilling to admit mistakes or accept criticism while ruthlessly maneuvering to claim credit for discoveries made by others. Nevertheless, this monochrome portrait serves as a testament to Sir Richard Owen's immense impact on our understanding of comparative anatomy and fossils. It immortalizes him as both an archetype within Victorian society and a significant figure within the annals of scientific history.

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