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Geoffroy St Hilaire

c. 1845
Formentin (lithographer)

lithograph on paper (sheet: 27.3 cm x 18.0 cm)
Geoffroy St Hilaire

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

The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. Works of art from the collection are reproduced as per the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). The use of images of works from the collection may be restricted under the Act. Requests for a reproduction of a work of art can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.
2012.117
Currently not on display
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Artist and subject

Formentin

Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire

Subject professions

Science and technology

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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

This website comprises and contains copyrighted materials and works. Copyright in all materials and/or works comprising or contained within this website remains with the National Portrait Gallery and other copyright owners as specified.

The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. The use of images of works of art reproduced on this website and all other content may be restricted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). Requests for a reproduction of a work of art or other content can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.

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