C. 1730 Maria Sibylla Merian Botanicals - Set of 3

Description

Maria Sibylla Merian
(German, 1647-1717)

These 3 hand-colored engravings are from 'De Europische Insecten, Maria Sibylla Merian's study of European … more Maria Sibylla Merian
(German, 1647-1717)

These 3 hand-colored engravings are from 'De Europische Insecten, Maria Sibylla Merian's study of European insects and was published posthumously in 1730 by her daughters. They are printed on handlaid (verge) paper

Plate L- 'Eike Boom, Quercus, cum Fructu'. (Oak tree)
Plate XCIX- ‘Hazen Lattaw, Sonchius Laevis’. (Sow Thistle/Hare Thistle)
Plate CXI- Insect transformation

Two larger pieces:
sight: 5 by 7 inches
frame: 10 by 11 ¾ inches

Smaller:
sight: 4 ¾ by 6 ¼ inches
frame: 9 ½ by 11 inches

Maria Sibylla Merian was a naturalist and botanical artist, as a youth, she developed an interest in collecting and studying insects, even raising silkworms. Her stepfather was a painter and encouraged her artistic studies. She began her first drawings of insects that she collected at a young age. This interest in the natural world continued and she published her first scientific book on metamorphosis in 1679. She later took a 5 year trip to Suriname with her daughter where she collected plants, insects, amphibians and reptiles, all artistically rendered in watercolor compositions for her book, gaining her widespread notoriety after its publication in 1705. less