Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire (1772–1844), naturalist, established the principle of ‘unity of composition’. A colleague of Lamarck’s, he expanded and defended the latter’s evolutionary theories, arguing for the underlying unity of the design of organisms, and the possibility of the transmutation of species in time. He amassed evidence for his claims through research in comparative anatomy, paleontology, and embryology. For several decades, Geoffroy played a fiery part in the cross-English Channel debate on the biology and classification of the Australian platypus.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2012
Accession number: 2012.117
Copyright image request form
Request a digital copy of an image for publication
On one level The Companion talks about the most famous and frontline Australians, but on another it tells us about ourselves: who we read, who we watch, who we listen to, who we cheer for, who we aspire to be, and who we'll never forget. The Companion is available to buy online and in the Portrait Gallery Store.
Explore portraiture and come face to face with Australian identity, history, culture, creativity and diversity.
Timed ticketing, location, accessibility and amenities
We depend on your support to keep creating our programs, exhibitions, publications and building the amazing portrait collection!
Principal partner
Strategic partner
Cultural partner
Media partner
Beverage partner
Imaging partner
Digital partner
Audio visual partner
