Catchfly with admiral, rose with fox moth, iris, hoverfly, jewel beetle and orchid, after 1691?

About the Work

For centuries, the watercolour has been used for the naturalistic reproduction of the plant kingdom. Maria Sibylla Merian harmoniously places the catchfly, rosebud, iris and monkey orchid side by side on the precious parchment. Her accurately detailed botanical studies are at the same time investigations into nature, hovering between science and art. She also appealed to a wide audience as a publisher of books.