In this History of Prints episode of Platemark, host Ann Shafer and subject matter expert Tru Ludwig explore the extraordinary life and legacy of Maria Sibylla Merian. Celebrated for her pioneering work on insect metamorphosis and her detailed illustrations of flora and fauna, Merian's journey took her to Suriname where she documented local species with the help of native people and slaves. Despite the societal constraints of the 17th century, she made significant contributions to both science and art, influencing future generations. The discussion also situates her achievements within the broader context of the Enlightenment and printmaking evolution, drawing comparisons with other naturalists like Audubon. The episode concludes with a teaser for an upcoming feature on William Hogarth, noted for his political satire.
George Peabody Library, Baltimore, MD.
Johann Zoffany (German, 1733–1810). The Academicians of the Royal Academy, 1771–72. Oil on canvas. 101.1 x 147.5 cm. Royal Collection Trust.
Maria Sibylla Merian (Dutch, 1647–1717) on the 500 Deutsche Mark.
Maria Sibylla Merian (Dutch, 1647–1717) on a German postage stamp.
Jacob Marrel (German, 1613–1681). Portrait of Maria Sibylla Merian, 1679. Oil on canvas. 59 x 50.5 cm. Kunstmuseum Basel.
[DETAIL] Joachim von Sandrart I (German, 1606–1688) and Philipp Kilian (German, 1628–1693). Detail of Portraits of Michel le Blond, Aegidius Sadeler, Georg Petele, Matthaus Merian, Renbrant a Rhen, Carol Screta, c. 1683. Engraving. Plate: 12 1/4 × 7 7/8 in. (31.1 × 20 cm.); sheet: 12 3/4 × 8 3/8 in. (32.4 × 21.3 cm.). Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit.
Wenceslaus Hollar (Flemish, 1607–1677). Muff with a band of brocade, 1647. Etching. Plate: 11.3 x 8.3 cm. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington, New Zealand.
Matthäus Merian (Swiss, 1593–1650). Todten-Tantz Wie derselbe in der Weitberümbten Statt Basel als ein Spiegel Menschlicher beschaffenheit gantz Künstlich mit Lebendigen Farben Gemahlet, nicht ohne nutzliche Verwunderung zusehen ist. Basel: Mieg, 1621. Thüringer Landesmuseum Heidecksburg.
Jacob Marrel (German, 1613–1681). Four Tulips: (Boterman, Joncker, Grote geplumaceerde, and Voorwint), c. 1635–45. Watercolor on vellum. 13 3/8 x 17 11/16 in. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
Rachel Ruysch (Dutch, 1664–1750). Festoon with Flowers and Fruit, 1682. Oil on canvas. 38 x 33 cm. National Gallery of Prague.
Maria Sibylla Merian (Dutch, 1647–1717 ). Plate 5 from volume 1 of Der Raupen wunderbare Verwandlung und sonderbare Blumennahrung (The Caterpillars' Marvelous Transformation and Strange Floral Food). Germany: self-published, 1679.
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