167 Maria Sibylla Merian (1647–1717) – Botanical and Entomological Study – Hand-Coloured Copperplate Engraving, Plate XVIII (Early 18th Century)
This exquisite hand-coloured copperplate engraving (Plate XVIII) presents a highly detailed composition of botanical and entomological subjects: ripe plums on the branch, surrounded by leaves, caterpillars in various developmental stages, and vividly depicted butterflies. On the ground below are pupae, beetles, and other insects, all shown with scientific accuracy and artistic elegance. This plate is characteristic of the style and scientific intent of Maria Sibylla Merian’s natural history studies, which focused on the life cycles of insects and their host plants. Rendered with delicate colouring and compositional clarity, the engraving combines early scientific observation with the aesthetics of baroque naturalism, forming part of a visual tradition that laid the groundwork for modern entomology and botanical illustration.
Maria Sibylla Merian (1647–1717) was a pioneering German naturalist and artist whose detailed studies of insects and plants revolutionized early scientific understanding of metamorphosis. Her fieldwork in Suriname and Europe, combined with her artistic talent, produced some of the most influential natural history works of the 17th and 18th centuries. Her engravings remain celebrated for their precision, liveliness, and scientific importance.
Artist or Maker:
Maria Sibylla Merian
Dimensions:
43 cm × 28 cm
Medium:
Hand-Coloured Copperplate Engraving
Date:
Early 18th Century
Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.
| Estimate | 2,000 - 3,000 SEK |
| Buyers Premium (inc. VAT) | 25% |
| Hammer Fee (inc. VAT) | 60 SEK |
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