Boxfish are the eccentrics of the reef — rigid, geometric and patterned like something designed rather than evolved — and this Haeckel plate makes the most of their charm. Trunkfish and their relatives are arranged across the sheet in yellows, blues and spotted designs, their boxy, armoured bodies giving the composition an almost playful, graphic quality.

The illustration comes from Kunstformen der Natur (Art Forms in Nature), Ernst Haeckel's series of 100 lithographs. A marine biologist who delighted in the variety of ocean life, Haeckel rendered these unusual fish with scientific accuracy and obvious enjoyment, and the result is a plate that feels both authoritative and full of fun.

On the wall, the boxfish print brings colour and good humour. Its bright palette and bold shapes make it a great fit for a kitchen, bathroom or child's room, while its scientific origin keeps it feeling smart rather than cartoonish. It pairs naturally with Haeckel's other marine plates — turtles, jellyfish and starfish — to build a colourful, ocean-themed gallery wall that works for all ages.

Printed on museum-quality matte paper with archival, fade-resistant colour and a soft, glare-free finish, in 30×40, 50×70 and 70×100 cm, with or without a frame. Cheerful, characterful vintage marine art with real scientific roots.