Vrouwelijke schurftmijt van een paard before 1886

This microscopic image of a female mange mite on a horse, of 70 by 70 mm, was created by P. Yvon. The monochromatic palette and the circular frame immediately draw our attention to the central structure. The composition, while seemingly straightforward, reveals intricate layers upon closer inspection. Notice how the mite’s body and limbs radiate outwards, creating a complex pattern of lines and shapes. The stark contrast between light and shadow accentuates its form, highlighting the detailed texture of its exoskeleton. This image, while seemingly scientific, transcends pure documentation. It invites reflection on the relationship between the observer and the observed, the power dynamics inherent in scientific representation, and the unsettling beauty that can be found in the microscopic world. The formal qualities, such as the dramatic lighting and the intricate detail, serve to defamiliarize the subject. Through its formal construction, the image presents the mite not merely as a specimen, but as a complex entity. The visual language challenges our assumptions and expands our understanding of form, representation, and the nature of seeing.