by Simon Cooper

Inspired by the 2015 book "The Invention of Nature" by Andrea Wulf, this painting is an ode to the great naturalist Alexander von Humboldt. Humboldt and his partner Aime Bonpland most famously traveled and explored Latin America between 1799 and 1804. Exploring modern day Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador, Humboldt viewed much of Latin America for the first time from a scientific and poetic point of view. His descriptions of the Orinoco, Mt. Chimborazo, and the jungles of South America inspired scientists, thinkers, and commoners to see the beauties of the Americas for themselves. His legacy in the science community remains and has inspired countless figures throughout history from Bolivar to Darwin. This is an ode to Mr. Humboldt.