Maria Sibylla Marian

About the Artist

Maria Sibylla Merian was born in Frankfurt am Main in 1647 and died in Amsterdam in 1717, a German naturalist and illustrator. Known for her precise observation and depiction of insects and plants, she created work combining scientific accuracy with artistic sensibility. Her depictions of insect life cycles from a biological perspective in particular drew attention from the scientific community of her time. Her work contributed to broadening understanding of nature and drew notice for her activity as a woman scientist. Her signature works include several books illustrating insects and plants.