Merian (1647-1717) was both a pioneering scientist and artist. She was one of the first entomologists (insect specialists) to study and record the plant and insect life of South America. She travelled there with her eldest daughter Johanna in 1699 where they collected, recorded and sketched specimens. Upon their return to Germany, they turned the drawings into engravings. Merian published her findings in 1705. Many editions, such as the one in our Cottonian Collection, were hand-coloured by Johanna and her younger sister Dorothea, who continued with the production of the book after their mother died.
This image currently features in our Dutch Flowers exhibition in St Luke's.
Image Reference Number - CB1119_CC8720
This is one of a number of images from The Box, Plymouth collection.
The images range from oils, photographs, watercolours, and pottery and are printed to order on 250gsm Image Impact paper with delivery direct to your door.
Please note that the original artworks vary in size and will not be cropped or distorted and as such the image may have a border.