Rights Managed > Historic England > Fame > Charles Darwin and Down House
Alfred Russel Wallace K960210
Filename: K960210.jpg
Size: 3696 x 4727 (25.0MB)
Date: 30th April 2008
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Photo Library
Source: English Heritage Images
© Historic England
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Alfred Russel Wallace K960210
DOWN HOUSE, Kent. Historic photograph of Alfred Russel Wallace (1823-1913). Wallace was a proponent of natural selection whose paper on the subject (1858) prompted Darwin to publish " On the Origin of Species" (1859). Wallace was a keen supporter of Darwins theory and later published " Darwinism" (1889)
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 979386
© Historic England
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative Victorian photograph, Alfred Russel Wallace (1823-1913) is captured in the tranquil setting of Down House in Kent, England. Wallace, a pivotal figure in the history of science, was a passionate advocate for the theory of natural selection, which he first proposed in a paper he co-submitted with Charles Darwin in 1858. The photograph reveals Wallace in the prime of his life, with a thoughtful expression and a neatly trimmed beard. He is dressed in a formal suit and holds a cane, suggesting an air of authority and refinement. The backdrop of Down House, Darwin's family home, adds an intriguing historical context to the image. Wallace's paper on natural selection came as a surprise to Darwin, who had been working on his groundbreaking theory in isolation. The co-publication of their findings prompted Darwin to publish "On the Origin of Species" in 1859, which revolutionized the scientific world and forever changed our understanding of the natural world. Despite the intense competition between the two men, Wallace remained a staunch supporter of Darwin's theory and later published "Darwinism" in 1889. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the intellectual collaboration and fierce determination that drove two of the greatest scientific minds of the Victorian era. Down House, now a Grade I listed building and a popular tourist destination, stands as a testament to the rich history of scientific discovery that unfolded within its walls. This photograph, taken by the Historic England Photo Library, offers a rare glimpse into the life of a man who played a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the natural world and the process of evolution.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
