Maria Merian and The Metamorphosis of Butterflies and Insects
Maria Merian is one of the most influential artist-naturalists of the eighteenth century. Working in the field of entomology, she artfully illustrated her discoveries in the metamorphosis of butterflies and insects and created one of the most beautiful expositions on the subject ever seen.
Discover the stunning work of this pioneering woman in science taken from her multiple publications on the subject, including the cornerstone publication Metamorphosis, as we look at those who influenced her, and the brilliant legacy she left behind.
Merian’s creative approach to the subject was influenced by her exposure to art as a young girl. Working in the golden age of Dutch painting (a period spanning the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries), she took guidance from her stepfather Jacob Marrel (1614–1681), an esteemed artist in his own right, who provided her with training from Georg Flegel (1566–1638) and Abraham Mignon (1640–1679), both highly renowned flower painters of the period.
Their influence is particularly evident in Merian’s illustrative style, but especially so in the illustrations for the early volume Blumenbuch (1647–1717) or Flower Book.
In this work, she primarily focused on botanical specimens, adding small illustrations of insects to complement the flowers. The subject matter was less scientifically inclined, with the studies having been arranged with the intention of being recreated for design and embroidery. It is a key publication in the evolution of her illustrative style, as seen in the manner of the botanicals that feature throughout her future works.
The tulips in Blumenbuch almost mirror those produced by her stepfather in the first half of the 1600s. Her illustrative style endures throughout her later volumes, even as her focus shifted to the insects themselves, and the flora and fauna became elements to support and emphasise her entomological observations.
Before she published Metamorphosis in 1705, Merian produced her first groundbreaking volume on the subject of entomology, exploring the metamorphosis of the caterpillars she observed in the Netherlands. Der Raupen wunderbare Verwandelung (The Caterpillars’ Wonderful Transformation), published in two volumes between 1679 and 1683, laid the foundation for her work in Suriname, building on her experience observing the local wildlife at all stages of life.
It was in this work that Merian first presented each insect on its host plant, recording its relationship with nature throughout its life cycle. In doing so, she set a new standard for the entomological illustrators that followed. The volume marked her disembarkment from creating botanical art for art’s sake, and artfully blended her pioneering research in entomology with her creative practice.
Over 20 years after her seminal study on caterpillars, Merian published Metamorphosis, following her research trip in 1699. Having been inspired by the specimens from her other collections, she embarked on the long and expensive journey to Suriname to further her study of insects from life.
Through a series of expeditions into the local jungles and forests, she observed and collected specimens, building a thriving collection and garden full of native flora and fauna. She documented her findings in a series of field journals, accompanying her written observations with painted studies. Returning to the Netherlands after two years due to ill health, she developed and finalised her work, creating a volume that showcased her pioneering research and stunning illustrations.
A savvy entrepreneur, Merian spared no expense in publishing Metamorphosis as a lavish and expensive volume. Due to the nature of the publication, she had to fund the project on a subscription basis. Each subscriber paid fifteen florins (around £6 in today’s money) to receive a copy of the finished work uncoloured, or, if they so desired, they could pay a premium for a coloured edition, with the plates hand-finished by Merian and her two daughters.
The watercolour wash that was applied to the plates remains delicate yet complementary to the stark lines of the copperplate etchings. In some of the early volumes, hints of gold embellishment can be seen adorning the wings of the butterflies, giving the effect of movement in flight as they appear to flutter across the pages.
Maria Sibylla Merian is one of the greatest artist-naturalists of the seventeenth century. Her work documenting the life cycle and transformation of insects yielded a wealth of groundbreaking discoveries, captured vividly in beautiful illustrations.
Discover more of her stunning illustrations in Maria Sibylla Merian’s Metamorphosis: One Woman’s Discovery of Transformation of Butterflies and Insects.
‘So fond was she of flowers and insects that it is said they told her all their secrets.’ — H. J. Mozans, 1913
Her books, from their pure science and great perseverance, give one the idea of a person lifted above the world of persons, and wholly devoted to art and nature.’ — Jules Michelet, 1875