Maria Sibylla Merian had an early
interest in insects and grew up
around artistic family members.
Her biological father was
an engraver and publisher by trade.
Unfortunately he died when she was
quite young but her mother remarried
Jacob Marrel who was a still life
and flower painter. He subsequently
taught and encouraged Maria to draw
During the 1600's there was a growing
interest in botanical accuracy which
led to a joining of forces between
the artist and scientist. Research
started to be documented through
the highly detailed etchings and
drawings. This was important as the
population in Europe was expanding.
With that new agricultural
methods were being sought and
an interest in both ornamental
and medicinal plants emerged.
Explorers often included artists,
physicians, biologists and more
on their expeditions to record data.
Maria was a woman who had the opportunity
to partake in one such excursion.
As one of the most well known naturalists
and scientific illustrators at this
time she was given a grant to travel
to Dutch Surinam. Upon her return
she published "Metomorphosis insectorum
Surinamensium" perhaps her greatest
accomplishment. This publication detailed
the stages of change of the caterpillar
This work along with other publications
put Merian in the category of being
one of the most well know natuaralists
and scientific illustrators. She became
a leader in entomology (the study of insects).
Etching with watercolor from "Metamorphosis ..."
For Merian the process of writing
and creating these visual records
was said to have been a form of prayer.
Butterflies are also found in many
still life paintings throughout history
and were religious symbols of the soul
and the resurrection of Christ.
Merian's work is beautiful in it's
detail and orchestration. There's
quite a bit of information on her
if you are interested in learning