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Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium
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Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium
Hand-coloured engraving based on Maria Sibylla Merian watercolour. 1726 edition. Date: 1726
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Media ID 14238268
© Mary Evans / Natural History Museum
1726 18th Century Arthropod Arthropoda Butterfly Edition Hand Coloured Hexapod Hexapoda Insecta Lepidoptera Lepidopteran Maria Sibylla Merian Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium Watercolor Invertebrata
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This stunning hand-coloured engraving is a captivating representation of Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium, a seminal work by the renowned naturalist Maria Sibylla Merian. Dated to 1726, this masterpiece is an eighteenth-century illustration of the metamorphosis of the Surinam silk moth (Antheraea polyphemus) and its associated insects. The intricate engraving is based on Merian's original watercolour, which she produced during her groundbreaking expedition to Surinam in South America. Merian's work was revolutionary for her time as she focused on the natural history of insects, a subject that was previously overlooked by most naturalists. In this illustration, we see the various stages of the moth's life cycle, from the egg to the adult, accompanied by an array of other insects and plants. The meticulous attention to detail is evident in the delicate rendering of the insects and the lush foliage, which provides a vivid and accurate portrayal of the Surinam rainforest. The title, Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium, translates to "The Metamorphosis of the Insects of Surinam," and this work is considered a seminal contribution to the field of entomology. Merian's dedication to documenting the natural world and her innovative approach to illustrating the metamorphosis of insects paved the way for future generations of naturalists and scientists. This beautiful hand-coloured engraving is a testament to Merian's groundbreaking work and the enduring fascination with the natural world.
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