Floral Wreath with Beehive

One of the greatest artist-naturalists of her time, Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717) was fascinated from childhood with the life cycles of insects and the structures of flowers. She became a flower painter and teacher in Amsterdam, where she was inspired by exotic specimens imported from the Dutch colonies for the natural history collections of Holland. In 1699, she made an expedition to Surinam (Dutch Guiana) in South America to study the indigenous flora and fauna. On her return, she began work on a lavishly illustrated book, Histoire Générale des Insectes de Surinam et de toute l’Europe, which was published in 1705.

 “Floral Wreath with Beehive” displays Merian’s exquisite artistry and close observation of nature. The composition of this unusual botanical print combines the two passions that motivated her life’s work in science, art, and exploration.

The image measures 7” x 9”. It is matted and framed in a black wooden frame. The frame measures 14½" x 12½"

From the Collections of the LuEsther T. Mertz Library at The New York Botanical Garden.