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

Karl Wimar (1828 - 1862)
Karl Wimar
1828 - 1862
Albert Hinrich Hussmann (1874 - 1946)
Albert Hinrich Hussmann
1874 - 1946
Wilhelm Petersen (1900 - 1987)
Wilhelm Petersen
1900 - 1987
Athena Vida (1972)
Athena Vida
1972
Eduard Pistorius (1796 - 1862)
Eduard Pistorius
1796 - 1862
Alo Altripp (1906 - 1991)
Alo Altripp
1906 - 1991
Friedrich Meckseper (1936 - 2019)
Friedrich Meckseper
1936 - 2019
Hans Schreiner (1930 - 2023)
Hans Schreiner
1930 - 2023
Franz Marc (1880 - 1916)
Franz Marc
1880 - 1916
Carl von Steuben (1788 - 1856)
Carl von Steuben
1788 - 1856
Hermann Metz (1865 - 1945)
Hermann Metz
1865 - 1945
Günther Uecker (1930 - 2025)
Günther Uecker
1930 - 2025
Peter Christian Holm (1823 - 1885)
Peter Christian Holm
1823 - 1885
Carl Josef Barth (1896 - 1976)
Carl Josef Barth
1896 - 1976
Franz Herpel (1850 - 1933)
Franz Herpel
1850 - 1933
Paolo Toschi (1788 - 1854)
Paolo Toschi
1788 - 1854

Creators Baroque

Sebastian Vrancx (1573 - 1647)
Sebastian Vrancx
1573 - 1647
Pieter Gerritsz. Van Roestraeten (1630 - 1700)
Pieter Gerritsz. Van Roestraeten
1630 - 1700
Angelo Caroselli (1585 - 1652)
Angelo Caroselli
1585 - 1652
Paolo Veronese (1528 - 1588)
Paolo Veronese
1528 - 1588
Ercole Grandi (1463 - 1525)
Ercole Grandi
1463 - 1525
Pieter Wouwerman (1623 - 1682)
Pieter Wouwerman
1623 - 1682
Jan Verhoeven (1600 - 1676)
Jan Verhoeven
1600 - 1676
Jan Brokoff (1652 - 1718)
Jan Brokoff
1652 - 1718
Pedro Roldán (1624 - 1699)
Pedro Roldán
1624 - 1699
Nicolas Lagneau (1590 - 1666)
Nicolas Lagneau
1590 - 1666
Andries Bosman (1621 - 1681)
Andries Bosman
1621 - 1681
Abel Grimmer (1570 - 1619)
Abel Grimmer
1570 - 1619
Thomas van Apshoven (1622 - 1664)
Thomas van Apshoven
1622 - 1664
Giovanni Francesco Romanelli (1610 - 1662)
Giovanni Francesco Romanelli
1610 - 1662
Moyses van Uyttenbroeck (1600 - 1646)
Moyses van Uyttenbroeck
1600 - 1646
Jean Boisseau (1600 - 1657)
Jean Boisseau
1600 - 1657
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