
Merian's Legacy
Merian’s work remained popular after her death in January 1717. The Metamorphosis was reissued (with twelve additional plates based on Merian’s drawings) in 1719, 1726, 1730 and 1771. The publication could be found in libraries across Europe, and influenced many subsequent works of natural history. Her illustrations were used not only by scientists; they were also employed as models by designers of fabric and porcelain.
Merian’s legacy was profound. Well into the nineteenth century, the insects of Suriname and their life cycles were studied through her illustrations and her words. For many years, across Europe, the brilliant Achilles Morpho, the vibrant Idomeneus Giant Owl, the elegant Dido Longwing and a host of others were Maria Merian’s butterflies.
Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717)
Common or Spectacled Caiman with South American False Coral Snake
Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717)
Golden Tegu lizard
Workshop of Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717)
Confederate Rose with Androgeus Swallowtail Butterfly and Julia Butterfly
Workshop of Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717)
Helichrysum with Castnid Moth and Harlequin Beetle
Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717)
Branch of a Fig with Sphinx Moths
Carl Linnaeus (1707-78)
Systema naturae per regna tria naturae ; vol. 1 part 2
Eleazar Albin (c. 1680- c. 1742)
A Natural history of English insects
Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717)
Branch of Sour Guava with Carolina Sphinx Moth
Mark Catesby (1682-1749)
Prickly Apple with Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly
Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717)
Branch of Cashew with Amber Phantom Butterfly and unidentified moth
Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717)
Branch of Guava tree with Army Ants, Pink-Toe Tarantulas, Huntsman Spiders, and Ruby-Topaz Hummingbird
Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717)