Maria Sibylla Merian (1647 - 1717)

Maria Sibylla Merian (1647 - 1717) - photo 1

Maria Sibylla Merian

Maria Sibylla Merian was a German-born naturalist and artist renowned for her contributions to entomology and botanical art. Born in Frankfurt am Main in 1647, Merian gained recognition for her detailed studies and illustrations of insects and plants, focusing on their life cycles and metamorphosis, which significantly advanced the field of entomology.

Maria Sibylla Merian's journey into the world of natural history began in her hometown of Frankfurt, where she started studying insects, particularly their metamorphosis. Her marriage to Johann Andreas Graff, an artist's apprentice, eventually took her to Nuremberg, where she continued her work and published her findings. Despite personal challenges, including an unhappy marriage, Merian's dedication to her studies remained unwavering.

A pivotal moment in Merian's life was her association with the Labadist community, where she delved deeper into her studies. Her time with the Labadists in Friesland allowed her to study a variety of species, further enriching her scientific endeavors. Merian's relentless pursuit of knowledge eventually led her to Amsterdam, a hub of scientific inquiry and trade, where she was exposed to a vast array of specimens from across the globe.

Maria Sibylla Merian's most ambitious expedition was to Suriname in South America, where she studied and documented the region's diverse flora and fauna. Her observations and illustrations from this expedition were groundbreaking, providing valuable insights into the natural world. Merian's works, including her detailed engravings and illustrations, not only captivate with their beauty but also serve as valuable scientific records. Her legacy is preserved in institutions like the National Museum of Women in the Arts, which houses some of her remarkable engravings.

Maria Sibylla Merian's life and work exemplify the profound impact of combining art and science, leaving an indelible mark on both fields. Her dedication to observing and documenting the natural world continues to inspire scientists and artists alike.

Date and place of birt:2 april 1647, Frankfurt, Germany
Date and place of death:13 january 1717, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Nationality:Germany, Surinam, The Netherlands
Period of activity: XVII, XVIII century
Specialization:Artist, Engraver, Illustrator, Naturalist, Painter
Genre:Still life
Art style:Baroque, Old Masters

Creators Germany

Tobias Andreae (1823 - 1873)
Tobias Andreae
1823 - 1873
Maik und Dirk Löbbert ()
Maik und Dirk Löbbert
Ernst Julius Henel (1811 - 1891)
Ernst Julius Henel
1811 - 1891
Yevgeny Viktorovich Vuchetich (1908 - 1974)
Yevgeny Viktorovich Vuchetich
1908 - 1974
Wieland Payer (1981)
Wieland Payer
1981
Johannes Post (1983)
Johannes Post
1983
Alfons Epple (1899 - 1948)
Alfons Epple
1899 - 1948
Anna Maria Mengs (1751 - 1793)
Anna Maria Mengs
1751 - 1793
Alexander Ernst Voigt (1981)
Alexander Ernst Voigt
1981
Adolf von Menzel (1815 - 1905)
Adolf von Menzel
1815 - 1905
Hans von Marees (1837 - 1887)
Hans von Marees
1837 - 1887
Georg Pecham (1568 - 1604)
Georg Pecham
1568 - 1604
Timo Kahl (1993)
Timo Kahl
1993
Fritz Cremer (1906 - 1993)
Fritz Cremer
1906 - 1993
Philipp Otto Runge (1777 - 1810)
Philipp Otto Runge
1777 - 1810
Karl-Otto Jung (1938)
Karl-Otto Jung
1938

Creators Baroque

Martin Dichtl (1639 - 1710)
Martin Dichtl
1639 - 1710
Nicolas Mignard (1606 - 1668)
Nicolas Mignard
1606 - 1668
Simon Vouet (1590 - 1649)
Simon Vouet
1590 - 1649
Peter Brandl (1668 - 1735)
Peter Brandl
1668 - 1735
Jan van Kessel II (1654 - 1708)
Jan van Kessel II
1654 - 1708
François Rémond (1747 - 1812)
François Rémond
1747 - 1812
Mathys Schoevaerdts (1665 - 1703)
Mathys Schoevaerdts
1665 - 1703
Tommaso Redi (1665 - 1726)
Tommaso Redi
1665 - 1726
Hendrick Goudt (1583 - 1648)
Hendrick Goudt
1583 - 1648
Lambert Doomer (1624 - 1700)
Lambert Doomer
1624 - 1700
Aert de Gelder (1645 - 1727)
Aert de Gelder
1645 - 1727
Vicente Juan Masip (1507 - 1579)
Vicente Juan Masip
1507 - 1579
Louis Galloche (1670 - 1761)
Louis Galloche
1670 - 1761
Frans van Mieris (1635 - 1681)
Frans van Mieris
1635 - 1681
Giovan Gioseffo Dal Sole (1654 - 1719)
Giovan Gioseffo Dal Sole
1654 - 1719
Mattheus van Helmont (1623 - 1679)
Mattheus van Helmont
1623 - 1679
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