Twee infusoriën 1881

Jacob van Rees created this drawing, ‘Twee infusoriën’ or ‘Two Infusoria’, with graphite on paper. Infusoria are microscopic organisms, including protozoa, algae, and diatoms. These organisms were first discovered following the invention of the microscope in the 17th century. The institutions of science and medicine that developed in the Netherlands in the 19th century sought to classify all natural phenomena. Van Rees’ drawing represents the work of mapping and categorizing the natural world. The image presents a close-up view of the infusoria, emphasizing their intricate details and structures. During the late 19th century, the rise of scientific societies and museums facilitated the display and study of microscopic life, offering the wider public new views of nature. By studying the scientific literature of the time and the institutional structures, we can better understand this drawing as a product of its time. It reflects the desire to scientifically examine, catalogue, and comprehend the natural world.