Heroine of modern entomology

Maria Sibylla Merian's book about the insect's travels is judged on par with the great classical knowledge. And above all is the public's admiration for a woman who will forget herself for passion.

In the 17th century, when women's appearances in science were unthinkable, naturalist, German illustrator, Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717) made the science of water This is staggering when embarking on the path inherently reserved for men only.

Along with a hunter named Mary Annin, Maria Sibylla Merian collected eggs and fossils of paleontological species. She also animated them into elaborate, clear, detailed, specific and engaging drawings - a precious document for the entomology industry for decades. Recently, an exhibition of her drawings was also held at the Getty Museum, giving the public a clear picture of the metamorphosis of butterflies as well as the way scientists and artisans devoted themselves to laying ground. foundation for modern entomology.

The beautiful bronze inscriptions that the scientist courageously illustrates the stages of Maria Sibylla Merian's insects

Maria Sibylla Merian raised and bred insects but then on the occasion of meeting the butterfly collection from Guiana, a Dutch colony, today Surinam, she has been fascinated by butterflies and moths. . She embarked on a plan to study insects living in the tropics. In 1699, along with Dorothea's daughter, the scientist sailed to South America, began a field trip for an insect research project, a detective of two women who had never had a precedent at that time. .

Insects of Surinam

Maria Sibylla Merian took 6 years to classify and evaluate the specimens from the trip. Finally, in 1705, she published the results of her research - the book Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium (also known as Insects of Surinam) in both English and Dutch, a study was rated as a "masterpiece." 'The first life turns the future of entomology. Most impressive is the 60 beautiful bronze engravings that the scientist courageously illustrated the stages of insects, including butterflies, moths she had encountered on her expeditions. The book has become a miraculous window for modern Europeans to look at a world before which they are still vague, an interpretation of logical science in the form of civilized art, a form of illustrated science book. easy to understand and useful.

Maria Sibylla Merian on the German postage stamp

Maria Sibylla Merian - A work of sculptor Marcus Ravenswaaij on display in the Netherlands

Maria Sibylla Merian's project is assessed on par with the great classical knowledge such as information graphics, jazz history, Grimm's fairy tale, menu design . Later, her book was reprinted below. called Insects of Surinam. Besides bright inscriptions are naturalist comments.

Maria Sibylla Merian's unique scientific achievements, although they have been around for a few centuries, are still loved by the public to learn about natural science. The exquisite aesthetics of a naturalist and a talented painter are still valid until today.

The woman wills to forget herself because of passion

Starting with observing insect specimens from his small garden and extending his research range with an adventurous trip to Surinam, Maria Sibylla Merian showed passion despite the opinion of public opinion. as well as the final outcome. She was admired not only for her achievements in entomology, but also for her will to forget about her passion and trust.