Maria Sibylla Merian
Today we start our new partnership with the National Museum of Women in the Arts. As you may know, we really try to do our best to feature women artists; this cooperation brings us closer to fulfilling this mission! : ) Enjoy!
At age 52, Maria Sibylla Merian undertook a hazardous three-month voyage to the Dutch colony of Suriname in South America. Her drawings and watercolors of the country’s exotic flora and fauna were reproduced as engravings on her return to Holland two years later. Her studies of insects in their natural habitats contributed to the 18th-century’s comprehension of metamorphosis, which had been misunderstood since antiquity.
While in Suriname, Merian used her artistic and observational skills to record creatures, such as this reptile as well. She portrayed its distinctive, intricate patterns of scales with the same precision she brought to insects. The dynamic, elegant loop of its tail adds compositional interest and a baroque flourish.
This engraving is one of 82 that were based on Merian’s meticulous sketches and field notes and appeared in her lavishly illustrated publication.
P.S. Isn't he cute? Here are 7 images of Dürer’s animals that are better than a trip to a zoo! : D If you would like to learn more about Women Artists, please check our Women Artists Notebook! : )