Items Similar to Heliconia with Insects – 19th-Century Lithograph after Merian’s Plate 54 (1705)
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 11
Heliconia with Insects – 19th-Century Lithograph after Merian’s Plate 54 (1705)
$262.66
£193.71
€220
CA$363.03
A$403.71
CHF 211.86
MX$4,923.10
NOK 2,677.95
SEK 2,510.68
DKK 1,674.89
About the Item
Heliconia with Insects – After Maria Sibylla Merian, Plate 54 from Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium, 19th-century lithograph
Description:
A fine 19th-century hand-coloured lithograph after the original Plate 54 by Maria Sibylla Merian (1647–1717) from her celebrated work Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium, first published in Amsterdam in 1705. The composition depicts a vivid Heliconia plant with its striking red bracts and broad green leaves, surrounded by insects in various life stages, including caterpillars, chrysalises, and adult moths and flies. Merian’s groundbreaking approach combined botanical and zoological subjects in one composition, illustrating the full life cycle of each insect in relation to its host plant.
The Heliconia, native to tropical South America and the Caribbean, is rendered with botanical precision, showing both the beauty of the plant and the natural interactions with the insects that depend on it. The artist’s attention to detail is evident in the lifelike textures of the foliage, the curling bracts, and the delicate wing patterns of the insects. While the original 1705 plate was a large-format copperplate engraving printed on laid paper, this later lithographic version was produced in the 19th century for a growing audience of natural history enthusiasts and decorative print collectors.
Maria Sibylla Merian was a pioneering German-born naturalist and scientific illustrator. Her expedition to Suriname in 1699 was extraordinary for its time, and the resulting plates from Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium remain among the most important works of natural history illustration ever published. This lithograph preserves the elegance and educational value of her original composition while being more accessible to 19th-century buyers.
Condition report:
Very good condition. Colours are fresh and vibrant, with only minimal toning. No visible tears or creases. The print is presented in a dark green matting board, which enhances the rich reds of the Heliconia and complements the green foliage.
Framing tips:
A gilt, black, or deep wood frame will complement the dark green matting and highlight the vivid hand colouring. Use UV-protective glass to preserve the brightness of the pigments.
Technique: Hand-coloured lithograph on wove paper
Maker: After Maria Sibylla Merian, 19th century, based on Plate 54 from Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium (1705)
- Dimensions:Height: 11.82 in (30 cm)Width: 7.88 in (20 cm)Depth: 0.12 in (3 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1870
- Condition:Very good condition. Colours are fresh and vibrant, with only minimal toning. No visible tears or creases. The print is presented in a dark green matting board, which enhances the rich reds of the Heliconia and complements the green foliage.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-130361stDibs: LU3054346265422
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,577 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllPapaya and Insects – 19th-Century Hand-Coloured Lithograph after Merian Plate 45
Located in Langweer, NL
Heliconia with Insects – After Maria Sibylla Merian, Plate 54 from Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium, 19th-century lithograph
Description:
A fine 19th-century hand-coloured lit...
Category
Antique 1870s German Prints
Materials
Paper
Metamorphosis of Surinamese Insects in an Original Hand-Colored Engraving, 1705
Located in Langweer, NL
"Metamorphosis of Surinamese Insects by Merian"
This exquisite original engraving is Plate 32 from Maria Sibylla Merian's seminal work, "Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium...
Category
Antique Early 1700s Prints
Materials
Paper
$1,862 Sale Price
20% Off
Free Shipping
Antique Botany Print of an Erythrina Plant by C. Hoffmann, 1847
Located in Langweer, NL
This print originates from 'Das Buch der Welt' by Carl Hoffmann. Published in Stuttgart, 1847. Lithographs by Engelhorn and Hochdanz.
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
Antique Insect Prints: Small Vibrant Engravings of Bugs, Leaves & Flowers, 1832
Located in Langweer, NL
Rare Antique Insect Engravings: 19th-Century Natural History Trio with Vibrant Colors
This set of three original antique engravings originates from Gottlieb Tobias Wilhelm’s cel...
Category
Antique 1830s Prints
Materials
Paper
Billbergia liboniana – A Rare 19th-Century Botanical Illustration by van Houten
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: 'Billbergia liboniana – A Stunning Botanical Print by Hoola van Houten'
This vibrant hand-colored botanical print depicts the Billbergia liboniana, an exotic bromeliad nati...
Category
Antique 1840s Prints
Materials
Paper
Exotic Wildflower with Butterflies – Rare Botanical Engraving by Meerburgh, 1775
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Exotic Wildflower with Butterflies – Rare Botanical Engraving by Meerburgh, 1775
Description:
This exquisite hand-colored botanical print, marked Tab. X, comes from the 1775 ...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century Dutch Prints
Materials
Paper
You May Also Like
William Roscoe Botanical Large Print of Tropical Plant, Zingiber Capitatum
Located in Downingtown, PA
William Roscoe Botanical Large Print,
Zingiber Capitatum,
Monandrian Plants of the Order Scitamineae,
1828
A spectacularly large and beautifully framed botanical print. The subjects...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Prints
Materials
Paper
42. Martagon lily, Frog-hopper, Acronicta leporina, Looper, inchworm
By Maria Sibylla Merian
Located in Columbia, MO
Maria Sibylla Merian was born in Germany in 1647 and received early artistic training from her stepfather, an established still life painter. She was fascinated by insects and collec...
Category
18th Century Realist Prints and Multiples
Materials
Pigment
Framed eighteenth century botanical engraving in a decalcomania frame.
By Johann Wilhelm Weinmann
Located in Richmond, GB
From a wonderful selection of hand-coloured mezzotint engravings from: "Phytanthoza Iconographia", c1739, presented in a hand- made parcel-gilt, ebonised and decalcomania frame. So...
Category
Mid-18th Century Figurative Prints
Materials
Handmade Paper, Engraving, Mezzotint
Set of Two Rare Botanical Engravings by D’Orbigny — 1849
Located in Fukuoka, JP
Set of Two Rare Botanical Engravings by D’Orbigny — Dictionnaire Universel d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, 1849
An exquisite pair of original hand-colored botanical engravings from the...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Prints
Materials
Paper
Framed eighteenth century botanical engraving in a decalcomania frame.
By Johann Wilhelm Weinmann
Located in Richmond, GB
From a wonderful selection of hand-coloured mezzotint engravings from: "Phytanthoza Iconographia", c1739, presented in a hand- made parcel-gilt, ebonised and decalcomania frame...
Category
Mid-18th Century Figurative Prints
Materials
Handmade Paper, Engraving, Mezzotint
John Nugent Fitch Orchids, 19th Century Hand Colored Engraving Botanical Print
By John Nugent Fitch
Located in Miami, FL
This beautiful, original hand-colored orchid lithograph of "Begonia Scharffii" Orchids by John Nugent Fitch is plate number 7028 from Robert Warner's publication 'The Orchid Album, C...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Prints
Materials
Wood, Paper
