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Maria Sybilla Merian Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Maria Sybilla Merian our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Maria Sybilla Merian · 1647 – 1717

Branch of West Indian Cherry with Achilles Morpho Butterfly

1703 · Royal Collection, London · original 39 x 30 cm

Merian’s meticulous approach to observation combined with her artistic talent resulted in unparalleled depictions of insect metamorphosis—a pivotal contribution to scientific understanding.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 37 artworks by Maria Sybilla Merian
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18030 × 39 cm Commission at original size

Plate 47 from Dissertation in Insect Generations and Metamorphosis in Surinam

National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, D.C.

Explore Maria Sibylla Merian's groundbreaking 'Plate 47 from Dissertation in Insect Generations and Metamorphosis in Surinam,' a vibrant depiction of insects and plants showcasing her meticulous observation and artistic brilliance.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 37 artworks by Maria Sybilla Merian
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Pomegranate and Menelaus Blue Morpho Butterfly

1703 · Royal Collection, London · original 37 x 30 cm

Branch of West Indian Cherry with Achilles Morpho Butterfly

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 37 artworks by Maria Sybilla Merian
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$17830 × 37 cm Commission at original size

Cocoa Tree with Southern Armyworm Moth

1703 · Royal Collection, London · original 37 x 28 cm

Maria Sibylla Merian’s ‘Cocoa Tree with Southern Armyworm Moth’ (1703) showcases Baroque elegance and entomological precision, capturing a vibrant scene of insects amidst cocoa blossoms. Discover this remarkable watercolor by the pioneering naturalist and bring its beauty into your collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 37 artworks by Maria Sybilla Merian
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$17628 × 37 cm Commission at original size

Plate 18 from Dissertation in Insect Generations and Metamorphosis in Surinam

National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, D.C.

Discover Merian's breathtaking 17th-century watercolor plate featuring spiders on an apple branch, a masterpiece of natural history art you can own.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 37 artworks by Maria Sybilla Merian
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Untitled (D7T2A8)

1992 · Design Museum of Barcelona, Barcelona

Delve into the captivating world of Maria Sibylla Merian’s ‘Untitled (D7T2A8)’ – a meticulously crafted studio photograph showcasing a black gown, embodying elegance and precision. Explore her legacy in botanical illustration.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 37 artworks by Maria Sybilla Merian
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Plate 70 from Dissertation in Insect Generations and Metamorphosis in Surinam

National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, D.C.

Explore Maria Sybilla Merian’s ‘Plate 70,’ a stunning 18th-century botanical engraving of a lizard. Discover intricate details & baroque flair in this unique scientific illustration.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 37 artworks by Maria Sybilla Merian
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17537 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Study of a bird-eating spider with humming bird

1705 · The Royal Society, London

A stunning 1705 engraving by Maria Sibylla Merian depicts a tarantula consuming fruit while a hummingbird observes, showcasing her meticulous natural history illustrations.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 37 artworks by Maria Sybilla Merian
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17538 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Plate 1 from Dissertation in Insect Generations and Metamorphosis in Surinam

National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, D.C.

Discover Maria Sibylla Merian's 'Plate 1' – a stunning 1719 engraving of insects & plants from Suriname. Explore her groundbreaking scientific illustrations and journey into the natural world.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 37 artworks by Maria Sybilla Merian
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Plate 5 from Dissertation in Insect Generations and Metamorphosis in Surinam

National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, D.C.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 37 artworks by Maria Sybilla Merian
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Fennel

The Royal Library of Denmark, Copenhagen

Magnificent Fennel by Maria Sybilla Merian. A detailed 17th-century botanical illustration of a butterfly's metamorphosis. Rare insect art, natural history print.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 37 artworks by Maria Sybilla Merian
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Lizard

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 37 artworks by Maria Sybilla Merian
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17536 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Histoire generale des insectes du Surinam et de toute l'Europe, contenant leurs descriptions, leurs figures, leurs differentes metamorphoses.

View the most popular artwork of Maria Sybilla Merian ranked #13: Histoire generale des insectes du Surinam et de toute l'Europe, contenant leurs descriptions, leurs figures, leurs differentes metamorphoses.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 37 artworks by Maria Sybilla Merian
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17551 × 20 cm Commission this artwork

Erucarum Ortus, Alimentum Et Paradoxa Metamorphosis

This exquisite hand-painted reproduction captures the meticulous detail of 'Erucarum Ortus, Alimentum Et Paradoxa Metamorphosis,' a remarkable botanical illustration attributed to Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717). A pioneering German naturalist and s

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 37 artworks by Maria Sybilla Merian
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

An Iguana (iguana Iguana) And A Coral Snake (elapidae Micrurus) On A Tree Stump

Magnificent hand-painted reproduction of Maria Sibylla Merian’s ‘An Iguana & Coral Snake’. Explore this detailed 17th-century illustration of reptiles – a stunning piece for art collectors.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 37 artworks by Maria Sybilla Merian
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17536 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Metamorphosis XXIII

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 37 artworks by Maria Sybilla Merian
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Flowers

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 37 artworks by Maria Sybilla Merian
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Jatropha Moth, Lizard Manioc

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 37 artworks by Maria Sybilla Merian
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

from Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium

1705

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 37 artworks by Maria Sybilla Merian
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

18th Century

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 37 artworks by Maria Sybilla Merian
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17539 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

Dissertatio De Generatione Et Metamorphosibus Insectorum Surinamensium_2

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 37 artworks by Maria Sybilla Merian
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17543 × 23 cm Commission this artwork

Fig

View the most popular artwork of Maria Sybilla Merian ranked #22: Fig

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 37 artworks by Maria Sybilla Merian
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Fleurs, Fruits Et Feuillages Choisis De L' Ile De Java

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 37 artworks by Maria Sybilla Merian
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Flowers etude

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 37 artworks by Maria Sybilla Merian
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Dissertatio De Generatione Et Metamorphosibus Insectorum Surinamensium

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 37 artworks by Maria Sybilla Merian
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17536 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Maria Sybilla Merian

1647 – 1717

Quick facts

Top-ranked workBranch of West Indian Cherry with Achilles Morpho Butterfly
Emotional tonereflective, tranquil, calm
Lifespan70 years
Born1647, Frankfurt, Italy
Art periodEarly Modern
Works on APS37
Also known asMaria Sibylla Merian
Copyright statusPublic domain

Biography

A Life Unfurled: The Botanical Brilliance of Maria Sibylla Merian

Maria Sibylla Merian, born in Frankfurt in 1647, was a figure remarkably ahead of her time—a naturalist, scientific illustrator, and an artist whose dedication to meticulous observation transformed our understanding of the insect world. Her story isn’t simply one of artistic talent; it's a testament to unwavering curiosity, courageous exploration, and a profound connection to the natural world that defied the conventions of 17th and early 18th-century society. Growing up amidst the bustling trade and intellectual currents of Frankfurt, Merian’s initial exposure to art came through her family. Her father, Matthäus Merian the Elder, was a renowned engraver and publisher, providing a foundation in visual representation. However, it was her stepfather, Jacob Marrel, a skilled still life painter, who actively fostered her artistic inclinations, encouraging her drawing and painting skills from a young age. This early nurturing wasn’t limited to technique; Merian developed an intense fascination with insects, meticulously collecting and studying them—a pursuit considered unusual, if not eccentric, for a woman of that era. Even as a child, she didn't merely depict butterflies and caterpillars; she sought to understand their complete life cycles, a revolutionary approach in a time when the prevailing belief was spontaneous generation – the idea that insects simply arose from mud or decaying matter.

From European Gardens to Surinamese Rainforests

Merian’s artistic career blossomed alongside her scientific investigations. She received formal training from Marrel and his pupil, Abraham Mignon, honing her skills in rendering botanical details with exquisite precision. Her early works focused on the flora of Europe, culminating in publications like *Neues Blumenbuch* (“New Book of Flowers”), showcasing her talent for floral illustration. However, it was her groundbreaking work on insect metamorphosis that truly set her apart. Published in 1679 and 1683, *Der Raupen wunderbare Verwandelung und sonderbare Blumennahrung* ("The Wonderful Transformation of Caterpillars and Their Peculiar Nourishment from Flowers") documented the life cycles of European insects with unprecedented accuracy. Each plate wasn’t just a beautiful image; it was a carefully researched record of an insect's development, its host plant, and its interactions within its environment. But Merian harbored a deeper ambition: to study insects in their natural habitat, free from the constraints of European gardens. This led to an extraordinary undertaking—a self-funded expedition to Dutch Guiana (modern-day Suriname) in 1699, accompanied by her daughter Dorothea. For two years, she immersed herself in the rainforests, documenting the exotic insects, plants, and animals with unwavering dedication, despite facing harsh conditions and considerable personal risk.

Metamorphosis Surinamensis: A Legacy of Observation

The culmination of Merian’s South American journey was *Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium* (1705), a monumental work that cemented her legacy as a pioneering naturalist and illustrator. This two-volume publication presented detailed depictions of the insects of Suriname, their life cycles, and their relationships with the surrounding flora. Unlike previous natural history illustrations which often focused on isolated specimens, Merian’s plates depicted insects interacting with their host plants, showcasing a holistic understanding of ecological connections. Her illustrations weren't merely scientific records; they were vibrant works of art, imbued with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. The work was revolutionary not only for its artistic quality but also for its scientific accuracy. Merian challenged existing beliefs about insect behavior and development, providing compelling evidence against spontaneous generation. She meticulously documented previously unknown species, contributing significantly to the field of entomology. *Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium* became a landmark publication, influencing generations of naturalist illustrators and scientists.

A Lasting Impact on Art and Science

Maria Sibylla Merian’s influence extends far beyond the realm of natural history illustration. Her work bridged the gap between art and science, demonstrating that meticulous observation and artistic skill could be powerful tools for scientific discovery. She challenged societal norms by pursuing her passion for natural history with unwavering determination, paving the way for future female scientists and artists. David Attenborough has rightly recognized Merian as a pivotal figure in entomology, acknowledging her groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of insect life cycles. Her legacy continues to inspire artists, scientists, and nature enthusiasts alike. Today, her original illustrations are highly prized possessions of museums and private collectors worldwide. Reproductions of her work—like “Plate 70 from Dissertation in Insect Generations and Metamorphosis in Surinam” or the exquisite detail found in "Erucarum Ortus, Alimentum Et Paradoxa Metamorphosis"—allow us to appreciate her artistic skill and scientific insight. Maria Sibylla Merian’s life was a testament to the power of curiosity, observation, and a deep reverence for the natural world—a legacy that continues to resonate centuries after her passing.

Key Contributions: Published her first book of natural illustrations in 1675; documented evidence on the process of metamorphosis and plant hosts of 186 European insect species; traveled to Dutch Guiana in 1699 to study tropical insects; published *Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium* in 1705.
Notable Works: *Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium* (1705), *Erucarum Ortus, Alimentum Et Paradoxa Metamorphosis*, “Fennel”, and "Plate 70 from Dissertation in Insect Generations and Metamorphosis in Surinam".
Influences: Her stepfather Jacob Marrel, a still life painter; the scientific curiosity of her era.

Questions & Answers

Where are Maria Sybilla Merian's artworks grouped by art movement?

Maria Sybilla Merian's works can be browsed by movement on the artist's All Movements page.

How can I follow Maria Sybilla Merian's work year by year?

Maria Sybilla Merian's artworks can be seen in chronological order on the artist's Artwork Timeline page.

What are the birthplace and birth year of Maria Sybilla Merian?

Maria Sybilla Merian was born in Frankfurt in 1647.

By the ArtsDot.com Editorial Team Updated Sept. 2, 2026

Collector's quiz

Maria Sibylla Merian is best known for her detailed illustrations of what?
What significant journey did Merian undertake to study tropical insects?
Merian's work challenged what previously held belief about insects?
Who encouraged Maria Merian to draw and paint during her early years?
What is the title of Merian's most famous work showcasing her Surinamese insect studies?

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