AdministratorWhat did Maria Sibylla Merian study?
Merian studied painting under the tutelage of Marrel at the family’s Frankfurt home. She collected insects and other specimens for Marrel’s compositions, and in these formative years, nature—plants and caterpillars in particular—became Merian’s primary subjects of artistic interest.
Why did Maria Sibylla Merian leave her husband?
Her husband chose to divorce her rather than join them. Maria Sibylla and her daughters lived with the community for six years, but eventually she grew frustrated that the community did not value education and scientific exploration. She moved to Amsterdam, and began the process of building a new life.
Where is Maria Sibylla Merian from?
Frankfurt, GermanyMaria Sibylla Merian / Place of birth
Did Maria Sibylla Merian own slaves?
Merian kept slaves of her own in Suriname, and in so doing, she supported and participated in the colonial practices of her time. Because of this, we have to doubt how willingly assistance was given to her research efforts. African and Indigenous slaves were instrumental in Merian’s work in Suriname…
Who discovered insect metamorphosis?
At a time when insects were believed to spring forth magically from mud, waste and plant matter in a process known as ‘spontaneous generation’, Merian was one of the first to closely observe and record the process of insect metamorphosis.
Who discovered caterpillars?
By breeding butterflies from egg to adult for several generations, Merian showed definitively that eggs hatched into caterpillars, which eventually turned into butterflies. Merian’s books on caterpillars (published in 1679 and 1683) would have been enough on their own to earn her a place in science history.
Did Maria Sibylla Merian have kids?
Dorothea Maria Graff
Johanna Helena Herolt
Maria Sibylla Merian/Children
When was Maria Merian born?
April 2, 1647Maria Sibylla Merian / Date of birth
How old was Maria Sibylla Merian when she died?
69 years (1647–1717)Maria Sibylla Merian / Age at death
What challenges did Maria Merian face?
Surrounded by new species, Merian was itching to collect and paint everything she could get her hands on. She immediately ran into problems, however, as the Dutch planters of the island were unwilling to help two unaccompanied women collect insects from the forest, a mission they believed to be frivolous.
What inspired Maria Sibylla Merian?
Marrel encouraged Merian to draw and paint. While he lived mostly in Holland, his pupil Abraham Mignon trained her. At the age of 13, she painted her first images of insects and plants from specimens she had captured. Early on, she had access to many books about natural history.