Description
Maria Sibylla Merian's Metamorphosibus Insectorum Surinamensium
These exquisite prints are from Maria Sibylla Merian's Metamorphosibus Insectorum Surinamensium published in The Hague in 1726. The work features the insects and plants (along with the occasional reptile) of Surinam in South America. Artful composition and stunning details make this rare work one of the most sought after botanical or insect works in existence. Any of the prints would be an outstanding addition to a collection.
The prints were groundbreaking when they were published over 300 years ago. In the late 1600's insects were considered dirty and "beasts of the devil." As a girl Merians interest in insects, although odd, was fostered by her step-father, the still life artist Jacob Marrel.
While living in Amsterdam Merian saw a collection of insects from South America. She was so intrigued that in 1699, with the sponsorship of the city of Amsterdam, Merian traveled to the Dutch colony of Surinam with her youngest daughter, Dorothea Maria. Exhibitions to South America were rare, and a women and daughter exhibition was unheard of during the period. Nevertheless, Merian's trip was a success. She discovered a range of previously unknown insects and plants in the interior of Surinam. She also spent a great deal of time classifying her findings. Her classification of butterflies and moths is still relevant today.
The pair stayed in Surinam for two years, traveling around the colony and sketching plants and animals. Upon her return to Amsterdamn she sold the specimens she collected and published Metamorphosibus Insectorum Surinamensium. Merian died in 1717.
The prints are on fine watermarked, chain link paper measuring approximately 13 1/2" by 19 1/2" (with the exception of plate 1 which is a fold-out).