This illustration, created by Alfredo Sauka (Buenos Aires, Argentina), depicts Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, widely regarded as the father of microbiology, examining a specimen through one of his handcrafted microscopes. Illuminated by the soft glow of a candle, the image highlights the meticulous dedication and insatiable curiosity that fueled his groundbreaking discoveries. Leeuwenhoek's pioneering work in microscopy unveiled a previously invisible world, introducing humanity to microorganisms such as bacteria and protozoa [1]. The inclusion of a small organism on the table underscores his focus on the natural world, which he studied with remarkable precision despite the simplicity of his tools. This scene captures a pivotal moment in history, marking the dawn of microbiology, a field that continues to transform science and medicine.
- Sauka, D. “Leeuwenhoek, el holandés que reveló el mundo invisible”. Revista Todo es Historia. 607: 26-35. 2018. https://todoeshistoria.com.ar/producto/edicion-607-junio-2018/ (Spanish)