Catchfly with admiral, rose with fox moth, iris, hoverfly, jewel beetle and orchid by Maria Sibylla Merian

Catchfly with admiral, rose with fox moth, iris, hoverfly, jewel beetle and orchid after 1691

drawing, gouache

naturalistic theme

drawing

egg art

baroque

animal

gouache

flower

possibly oil pastel

handmade artwork painting

fluid art

german

14_17th-century

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

botanical art

watercolor

warm toned green

This watercolor, “Catchfly with admiral, rose with fox moth, iris, hoverfly, jewel beetle and orchid,” was created by Maria Sibylla Merian, a renowned naturalist and scientific illustrator, after 1691. Merian's meticulous detail and vibrant colors capture the delicate beauty of the natural world, showcasing various flowers, insects, and their intricate relationships. Her work, like this piece, combines scientific accuracy with artistic expression, offering a glimpse into the interconnectedness of life. The artwork’s attention to detail and composition reflects Merian’s dedication to documenting and understanding the world around her, making it a valuable contribution to the history of natural history illustration.

Comments

stadelmuseum over 1 year ago

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For centuries, the watercolour has been used for the naturalistic reproduction of the plant kingdom. Maria Sibylla Merian harmoniously places the catchfly, rosebud, iris and monkey orchid side by side on the precious parchment. Her accurately detailed botanical studies are at the same time investigations into nature, hovering between science and art. She also appealed to a wide audience as a publisher of books.