Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Dutch, 1647-1717
Maria Sibylla Merian (1647—1717) was a naturalist and artist. Her contributions to entomology were never appropriately recognized in her lifetime. She is now considered to be a pioneer in the fields of botany and zoology. She made detailed observations of live specimens, which was a departure from previous studies that used preserved specimens. She focused great detail on the processes of metamorphosis, which had not been studied so comprehensively before her work. The engravings for the publication were done by J. Mulder, P. Sluyter and A. Stopendaal, all after paintings on vellum by Merian. The work is considered to be one of the most beautiful, and famous illustrated natural history works of the 18th century. The work was the result of Merian's trip in 1699 with her daughter Dorothea to Surinam, a Dutch colony on the northeastern coast of South America. The pair studied and recorded plants and insects for two years under difficult conditions. They came back to Amsterdam with specimens, notes and drawings and there completed their astounding work. One naturalist proclaimed "Her portrayals of living insects and other animals were imbued with a charm, a minuteness of observation and an artistic sensibility that had not previously been seen in a natural history book; if Gould and Audubon have 'a spiritual ancestor, then it is difficult to think of a more worthy claimant to the title than Maria Sibylla Merian." On the day Maria Sibylla Merian died, Tsar Peter the Great purchased a two-volume collection of her unbound paintings, as well as her journal.
Born in Frankfurt am Main, Maria Sibylla Merian was the daughter of Matthaus Merian the Elder (1593—1650), a famous German-Swiss painter, engraver and publisher. Her father died when she was three and her mother remarried Jacob Marrel (1614-1681), who was a still-life painter. From the time she was eleven, Marrel schooled Maria Sibylla Merian in the tradition of northern European still life painting, working directly from life. As her interests evolved toward the study of insects, she employed these artistic skills to create her outstanding scientific and esthetically beautiful works. She was truly at the crossroads of art and science.to
4
6
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
36
197
165
104
101
10
10
10
9
6
6
5
5
4
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
10
10
10
10
Artist: Maria Sybilla Merian
Tree with moth, caterpillar..., Plate 39, Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium
By Maria Sibylla Merian
Located in Middletown, NY
Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium, Plate No. 39; Unidentified tree with moth, caterpillar and pupa.
The Netherlands: 1705....
Category
Early 18th Century Naturalistic Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Materials
Watercolor, Engraving
Thistle and Moths, plate no. 6, Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium
By Maria Sibylla Merian
Located in Middletown, NY
Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium, Plate No. 6; Thistle and Moths. The Netherlands: 1705. Engraving with hand coloring in w...
Category
Early 18th Century Naturalistic Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Materials
Watercolor, Engraving
4 plates from The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars & their Strange Diet..
By Maria Sibylla Merian
Located in Middletown, NY
Four plates from The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars and their Strange Diet of Flowers. “Wolfsmelk Rupsen;" “Wolfsmilch, Raupe und Schmetterling" Amsterdam: J F Bernard, 1730. Each an engraving with hand coloring in watercolor and gouache printed on one sheet of watermarked Honig cream laid paper, each measures 6 1/4 x 5 inches (157 x 121 mm), sheet measures 20 5/8 x 14 inches (522 x 355 mm), full margins. With handling creases in the lower right sheet quadrant, as well as minor, loose cockling, otherwise in very good condition. The colors are superb with exceptionally fresh and bright saturation. Engraved between 1679 and 1683, printed 1730. Plates included: LIV, LV, LVI, & LVII.
MARIA SIBYLLA MERIAN was one of the most highly respected entomologists of the 17th century, and remains today one of the field's most significant figures. A German-born naturalist and scientific illustrator, she reared herself on the study of caterpillars, and made tremendous contributions to the knowledge of the life cycles of numerous species. Until her detailed and careful study of the process of metamorphosis it was thought that insects were "born of mud," through spontaneous generation.
Trained as a miniature painter by her stepfather, she published her first book of illustrations in 1675, at the age of 28. In 1679, Merian published the first volume of the two-volume series on caterpillars, The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars and their Strange Diet of Flowers; the second volume followed in 1683. Each volume contained 50 plates that she engraved and etched. In 1699, Merian traveled to Dutch Guiana...
Category
Early 18th Century Naturalistic Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Materials
Watercolor, Engraving
Icecream Bean plant..., plate no. 58, Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium
By Maria Sibylla Merian
Located in Middletown, NY
Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium, Plate No. 58; Ice Cream Bean Plant, Cloudless Sulphur Butterfly and Caterpillar with Mot...
Category
Early 18th Century Naturalistic Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Materials
Watercolor, Engraving
Cocoa plant, caterpillar, ..., Plate 26, Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium
By Maria Sibylla Merian
Located in Middletown, NY
Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium, Plate No. 26; Cocoa plant, caterpillar, pupa, and butterflies. The Netherlands: 1705. En...
Category
Early 18th Century Naturalistic Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Materials
Watercolor, Engraving
3 plates from The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars & their Strange Diet..
By Maria Sibylla Merian
Located in Middletown, NY
Three plates from The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars and their Strange Diet of Flowers. “Wolfsmelk Rupsen;" “Wolfsmilch, Raupe und Schmetterling" Amsterdam: J F Bernard, 1730. Each an engraving with hand coloring in watercolor and gouache printed on one sheet of watermarked Honig cream laid paper, each measures 6 1/4 x 5 inches (157 x 121 mm), sheet measures 20 5/8 x 14 inches (522 x 355 mm), full margins. With handling creases in the lower right sheet quadrant, as well as minor, loose cockling, otherwise in very good condition. The colors are superb with exceptionally fresh and bright saturation. Engraved between 1679 and 1683, printed 1730. Plates included: XLVIII; XLIX & L.
MARIA SIBYLLA MERIAN was one of the most highly respected entomologists of the 17th century, and remains today one of the field's most significant figures. A German-born naturalist and scientific illustrator, she reared herself on the study of caterpillars, and made tremendous contributions to the knowledge of the life cycles of numerous species. Until her detailed and careful study of the process of metamorphosis it was thought that insects were "born of mud," through spontaneous generation.
Trained as a miniature painter by her stepfather, she published her first book of illustrations in 1675, at the age of 28. In 1679, Merian published the first volume of the two-volume series on caterpillars, The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars and their Strange Diet of Flowers; the second volume followed in 1683. Each volume contained 50 plates that she engraved and etched. In 1699, Merian traveled to Dutch Guiana...
Category
Early 18th Century Naturalistic Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Materials
Watercolor, Engraving
4 plates from The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars & their Strange Diet..
By Maria Sibylla Merian
Located in Middletown, NY
Four plates from The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars and their Strange Diet of Flowers. “Wolfsmelk Rupsen;" “Wolfsmilch, Raupe und Schmetterling" Amsterdam: JF Bernard, 1730. Each an engraving with hand coloring in watercolor and gouache printed on one sheet of watermarked Honig cream laid paper, each measures 6 1/4 x 5 inches (157 x 121 mm), sheet measures 20 5/8 x 14 inches (522 x 355 mm), full margins. With handling creases in the lower right sheet quadrant, as well as minor, loose cockling, otherwise in very good condition. The colors are superb with exceptionally fresh and bright saturation. Engraved between 1679 and 1683, printed 1730. Plates included: CXLI, CXLII, CXIII & CXLIV.
MARIA SIBYLLA MERIAN was one of the most highly respected entomologists of the 17th century, and remains today one of the field's most significant figures. A German-born naturalist and scientific illustrator, she reared herself on the study of caterpillars, and made tremendous contributions to the knowledge of the life cycles of numerous species. Until her detailed and careful study of the process of metamorphosis it was thought that insects were "born of mud," through spontaneous generation.
Trained as a miniature painter by her stepfather, she published her first book of illustrations in 1675, at the age of 28. In 1679, Merian published the first volume of the two-volume series on caterpillars, The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars and their Strange Diet of Flowers; the second volume followed in 1683. Each volume contained 50 plates that she engraved and etched. In 1699, Merian traveled to Dutch Guiana...
Category
Early 18th Century Naturalistic Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Materials
Watercolor, Engraving
4 plates from The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars & their Strange Diet..
By Maria Sibylla Merian
Located in Middletown, NY
Four plates from The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars and their Strange Diet of Flowers. “Wolfsmelk Rupsen;" “Wolfsmilch, Raupe und Schmetterling" Amsterdam: J F Bernard, 1730. Each an engraving with hand coloring in watercolor and gouache printed on one sheet of watermarked Honig cream laid paper, each measures 6 1/4 x 5 inches (157 x 121 mm), sheet measures 20 5/8 x 14 inches (522 x 355 mm), full margins. With one 1.5 inch inch tear across the area of the top-left corner, well outside of image area. Handling creases in the lower right sheet quadrant, as well as minor, loose cockling, otherwise in very good condition. The colors are superb with exceptionally fresh and bright saturation. Engraved between 1679 and 1683, printed 1730. Plates included: CXXI, CXXII, CXXIII, & CXXIV.
MARIA SIBYLLA MERIAN was one of the most highly respected entomologists of the 17th century, and remains today one of the field's most significant figures. A German-born naturalist and scientific illustrator, she reared herself on the study of caterpillars, and made tremendous contributions to the knowledge of the life cycles of numerous species. Until her detailed and careful study of the process of metamorphosis it was thought that insects were "born of mud," through spontaneous generation.
Trained as a miniature painter by her stepfather, she published her first book of illustrations in 1675, at the age of 28. In 1679, Merian published the first volume of the two-volume series on caterpillars, The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars and their Strange Diet of Flowers; the second volume followed in 1683. Each volume contained 50 plates that she engraved and etched. In 1699, Merian traveled to Dutch Guiana...
Category
Early 18th Century Naturalistic Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Materials
Watercolor, Engraving
4 plates from The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars & their Strange Diet..
By Maria Sibylla Merian
Located in Middletown, NY
Four plates from The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars and their Strange Diet of Flowers. “Wolfsmelk Rupsen;" “Wolfsmilch, Raupe und Schmetterling" Amsterdam: J F Bernard, 1730. Each an engraving with hand coloring in watercolor and gouache printed on one sheet of watermarked Honig cream laid paper, each measures 6 1/4 x 5 inches (157 x 121 mm), sheet measures 20 5/8 x 14 inches (522 x 355 mm), full margins. With handling creases in the lower right sheet quadrant, as well as minor, loose cockling, otherwise in very good condition. The colors are superb with exceptionally fresh and bright saturation. Engraved between 1679 and 1683, printed 1730. Plates included: CI; CII; CIII & CIV.
MARIA SIBYLLA MERIAN was one of the most highly respected entomologists of the 17th century, and remains today one of the field's most significant figures. A German-born naturalist and scientific illustrator, she reared herself on the study of caterpillars, and made tremendous contributions to the knowledge of the life cycles of numerous species. Until her detailed and careful study of the process of metamorphosis it was thought that insects were "born of mud," through spontaneous generation.
Trained as a miniature painter by her stepfather, she published her first book of illustrations in 1675, at the age of 28. In 1679, Merian published the first volume of the two-volume series on caterpillars, The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars and their Strange Diet of Flowers; the second volume followed in 1683. Each volume contained 50 plates that she engraved and etched. In 1699, Merian traveled to Dutch Guiana...
Category
Early 18th Century Naturalistic Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Materials
Engraving, Watercolor
4 plates from The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars & their Strange Diet..
By Maria Sibylla Merian
Located in Middletown, NY
Four plates from The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars and their Strange Diet of Flowers. “Wolfsmelk Rupsen;" “Wolfsmilch, Raupe und Schmetterling" Amsterdam: J F Bernard, 1730. Each an engraving with hand coloring in watercolor and gouache printed on one sheet of watermarked Honig cream laid paper, each measures 6 1/4 x 5 inches (157 x 121 mm), sheet measures 20 5/8 x 14 inches (522 x 355 mm), full margins. With handling creases in the lower right sheet quadrant, as well as minor, loose cockling, otherwise in very good condition. The colors are superb with exceptionally fresh and bright saturation. Engraved between 1679 and 1683, printed 1730. Plates included: No.1:I; No. 2:1; II & III.
MARIA SIBYLLA MERIAN was one of the most highly respected entomologists of the 17th century, and remains today one of the field's most significant figures. A German-born naturalist and scientific illustrator, she reared herself on the study of caterpillars, and made tremendous contributions to the knowledge of the life cycles of numerous species. Until her detailed and careful study of the process of metamorphosis it was thought that insects were "born of mud," through spontaneous generation.
Trained as a miniature painter by her stepfather, she published her first book of illustrations in 1675, at the age of 28. In 1679, Merian published the first volume of the two-volume series on caterpillars, The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars and their Strange Diet of Flowers; the second volume followed in 1683. Each volume contained 50 plates that she engraved and etched. In 1699, Merian traveled to Dutch Guiana...
Category
Early 18th Century Naturalistic Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Materials
Watercolor, Engraving
Related Items
Original Italian Emidio di Nola Italian Macaroni original vintage food poster
Located in Spokane, WA
Emidio di Nola, original Italian pasta poster. Size 19" x 25.5". Professional acid-free archival linen-backed; in excellent condition; ready to frame....
Category
1950s Aesthetic Movement Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Materials
Lithograph
$750
H 25.5 in W 19 in D 0.05 in
Salvador Dali - Cherries - Original Hand-Signed Lithograph
By Salvador Dalí
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Salvador Dali - Cherries - Original Hand-Signed Lithograph
Dimensions: P. 57 x 37 cm
Sheet: 75 x 56 cm
Handsigned
Edition: EC.d (collaborator edition "d")
Excellent Condition
Refer...
Category
1960s Surrealist Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Materials
Lithograph
$6,147
H 29.53 in W 22.05 in D 0.4 in
After Harnett
Located in Red Bank, NJ
After Harnett by Kimberly Witham
Category
20th Century Gothic Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Materials
Rag Paper, Archival Pigment
"Carrier Pigeon" Signed Limited Edition Black and White Silkscreen Print
Located in East Quogue, NY
“Carrier Pigeon,” 2012, Limited edition silkscreen print by Baltimore street artist Gaia.
Three-color hand-pulled silkscreen on Coventry Rag, 100% Cotton Archival Paper. Edition 25/...
Category
2010s Contemporary Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Materials
Archival Paper, Black and White, Archival Pigment
Matisse's Cat, Matisse Style Artwork, Contemporary Animal Print, Blue Art
By Mychael Barratt
Located in Deddington, GB
Matisse's Cat is a limited edition hand made print by artist Mychael Barratt which takes inspiration from the paper cutting work of Matisse in the 1940s....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Materials
Paper, Screen
$379
H 15.75 in W 14.97 in D 0.04 in
The Celestial Hippocampus (Ed. 88/140)
Located in Dallas, TX
"The Scar by China Miéville is a novel which has been a part of my life for many years, and has travelled as my companion through since adolescence. I've attempted to depict the Avan...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Materials
Screen
Dark Eyed Junco (Junco Hyemalis)
Located in Red Bank, NJ
Dark Eyed Junco (Junco Hyemalis) by Kimberly Witham
Category
20th Century Gothic Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Materials
Dye Transfer
Echidna and Platypus, Australian animal monotreme antique engraving print
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'Kloakentiere'
(Monotremes - echidna and platypus))
German wood-engraving, circa 1895.
240mm by 155mm (sheet)
Category
Late 19th Century Naturalistic Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Materials
Engraving
$65
H 9.45 in W 6.11 in
Hermit Crabs, German animal antique underwater crustacean engraving print
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'Einsiedlerkrebse'
(Hermit crabs)
German wood-engraving, circa 1895.
240mm by 155mm (sheet)
Category
Late 19th Century Naturalistic Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Materials
Engraving
$50
H 9.45 in W 6.11 in
[ Bird of Paradise] La Pie de paradise, vue par derriere, No.21
By Jacques Barraband
Located in Paonia, CO
[ Bird of Paradise] La Pie de paradise, vue par derriere , No.21, Paris 1801-1806 [Astrapia nigra]. Color-printed engraving with hand-coloring. French botanical and zoological illustrator Jacques Barraband (1767-1809) was known as one of the finest ornithological artists of his time .He is best known for his watercolors and engravings that were commissioned by François LeVaillant, French explorer, naturalist, zoological collector , noted ornithologist and author. Levaillant’s Histoire naturelle des perroquets (1801-05) and his Histoire naturelle des oiseaux de paradis (Birds of Paradise, 1801-06), both of which Barraband contributed to, are still considered some of the most beautiful bird books of all times because of their exceptional scientific accuracy, rich color and detail. The Astrapia nigra is a Bird of Paradise that inhabits the Vogelkop Peninsula of West Papua...
Category
Early 18th Century Other Art Style Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Materials
Engraving
![[ Bird of Paradise] La Pie de paradise, vue par derriere, No.21](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/jacques-barraband-prints-works-on-paper--bird-of-paradise-la-pie-de-paradise-vue-par-derriere-no21-for-sale/a_7803/1543778408303/Bird_of_Paradise_master.jpg?width=240 "jacques bird")
$5,200 Sale Price
20% Off
H 21 in W 28.5 in
PARROTS AND FLOWERS Signed Lithograph, Flowers Blue Vase Tropical Parrots, Plums
By Walasse Ting
Located in Union City, NJ
PARROTS AND FLOWERS is an original hand drawn lithograph by the renowned Chinese born artist Walasse Ting (DING XIONGQUAN, Chinese, 1929-2010) printed on archival Somerset printmakin...
Category
1980s Contemporary Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Materials
Lithograph
$2,230 Sale Price
25% Off
H 21 in W 29 in
Donald Sultan 'Fish' (From Fruit and Flowers), Limited Edition, Signed Print
By Donald Sultan
Located in San Rafael, CA
Donald Sultan (American, b. 1951)
"Fish (From Fruit and Flowers Portfolio)" 1990
Screenprint in colors on Arches 88 paper
Pencil initialed, titled, and dated left of image
Edition 61...
Category
1990s Contemporary Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Materials
Lithograph
$3,200
H 23 in W 22 in D 0.05 in
Previously Available Items
Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717) - Framed 18th Century Engraving, Metamorphosis
By Maria Sibylla Merian
Located in Corsham, GB
An original engraving by Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717). This unique 18th or early 19th century engraving with hand-colouring depicts the life cycle of a frog. The artist documents...
Category
Early 18th Century Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Materials
Engraving
3 plates from The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars & their Strange Diet..
By Maria Sibylla Merian
Located in Middletown, NY
Three plates from The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars and their Strange Diet of Flowers. “Wolfsmelk Rupsen;" “Wolfsmilch, Raupe und Schmetterling" Amsterdam: J F Bernard, 173...
Category
Early 18th Century Naturalistic Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Materials
Watercolor, Engraving
4 plates from The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars & their Strange Diet..
By Maria Sibylla Merian
Located in Middletown, NY
Merian, Maria Sibylla. Four plates from The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars and their Strange Diet of Flowers. “Wolfsmelk Rupsen;" “Wolfsmilch, Raupe und Schmetterling" Amste...
Category
Early 18th Century Naturalistic Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Materials
Watercolor, Engraving
Framed Antique Print of a Carnation Moth Metamorphosis by Maria Sibylla Merian
By Maria Sibylla Merian
Located in Aartselaar, BE
Special end of the year offer. This lovely and very decorative print is an ideal gift for you or your loved-ones.
Rare antique print depicting a carnation and a moth metamorphosis. Caryophillus purpureus, in French "Œillet pourpré" meaning "Purple Carnation". This print originates from 'Histoire des insectes de l’Europe' by Maria Sibylla Merian...
Category
1770s Romantic Maria Sybilla Merian Animal Prints
Materials
Paper
H 14.18 in W 12.6 in D 0.4 in
Maria Sybilla Merian animal prints for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Maria Sybilla Merian animal prints available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Maria Sybilla Merian in engraving, paint, watercolor and more. Not every interior allows for large Maria Sybilla Merian animal prints, so small editions measuring 10 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Francois Nicolas Martinet, Ohara Koson, and John Gould. Maria Sybilla Merian animal prints prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $4,200 and tops out at $5,300, while the average work can sell for $4,500.
Artists Similar to Maria Sybilla Merian
John Gould and Henry Constantine Richter