Charles Darwin 1883 - 1884

Joseph Echteler created this sculpture of Charles Darwin out of plaster. The bust presents Darwin in a straightforward, symmetrical pose, drawing our attention to the texture of his beard and the deep lines etched into his face. This emphasis on texture and line conveys a sense of depth and the weight of time. Consider how the solidity and weight of the sculpture’s material, plaster, contrasts with Darwin's revolutionary theories, which challenged fixed ideas about the natural world. The sculpture captures Darwin's likeness but also embodies the intellectual rigor of his scientific approach. The structure and form create a sense of stability and seriousness. The sculpture serves as both a representation and a symbol, inviting us to reflect on the legacy of Darwin's ideas and their ongoing impact. Note how the formal qualities of the bust, its composition, and its attention to detail function as part of a larger cultural discourse.