Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium - 1726 Edition – Antique Originals

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Maria Sibylla Merian’s Metamorphosis of the Insects of Suriname comprises 60 hand-colored engravings (12 additional plates added in posthumous editions) and was the first European attempt to visually document and explore the metamorphosis of insects. Created from the two years she spent observing, collecting, and painting the indigenous plants and insects of Suriname, Merian’s elegantly composed prints portray the metamorphosis of one or more species of insect. The insects are depicted in the various stages of development from larva to mature adult and are presented alongside a plant that often serves as a food source. Merian’s hand-colored engravings possess a remarkable delicacy and attention to detail that makes it appear as though the winged insects have only just alighted on the page, but might flutter off at any moment.

Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium - 1726 Edition – Antique Originals

Merian 1726, Pl. 3, Soursop

$4,800.00

Original hand-colored engraving | circa 1726 | 21 5/8 x 14 inches

Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium - 1726 Edition – Antique Originals

Merian 1726, Pl. 6, Thistle

$3,500.00

Original hand-colored engraving | circa 1726 | 21 5/8 x 14 inches

Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium - 1726 Edition – Antique Originals

Merian 1726, Pl. 20, Great Owlet Moth

$5,200.00

Original hand-colored engraving | circa 1726 | 21 5/8 x 14 inches

Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium - 1726 Edition – Antique Originals

Merian 1726, Pl. 22, Red Amaryllis

$5,200.00

Original hand-colored engraving | circa 1726 | 21 5/8 x 14 inches

Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium - 1726 Edition – Antique Originals

Merian 1726, Pl. 25, Vanilla Plant

$2,800.00

Original hand-colored engraving | circa 1726 | 21 5/8 x 14 inches

Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium - 1726 Edition – Antique Originals

Merian 1726, Pl. 33, Fig

$5,000.00

Original hand-colored engraving | circa 1726 | 21 5/8 x 14 inches

Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium - 1726 Edition – Antique Originals

Merian 1726, Pl. 35, Painted Lady

$3,800.00

Original hand-colored engraving | circa 1726 | 21 5/8 x 14 inches

Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium - 1726 Edition – Antique Originals

Merian 1726, Pl. 37, Hibiscus, Indian Sorrel

$4,200.00

Original hand-colored engraving | circa 1726 | 21 5/8 x 14 inches

Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium - 1726 Edition – Antique Originals

Merian 1726, Pl. 39, Emperor Moth

$2,300.00

Original hand-colored engraving | circa 1726 | 21 5/8 x 14 inches

Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium - 1726 Edition – Antique Originals

Merian 1726, Pl. 48, Tabrouba Tree w/Stag, Capricorn & Herculo Beetles

$4,800.00

Original hand-colored engraving | circa 1726 | 21 5/8 x 14 inches

Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium - 1726 Edition – Antique Originals

Merian 1726, Pl. 49, Lantern Fly with Pomegranate Flower

$5,500.00

Original hand-colored engraving | circa 1726 | 21 5/8 x 14 inches

Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium - 1726 Edition – Antique Originals

Merian 1726, Pl. 59, Female Toad and Young with Watercress

$4,500.00

Original hand-colored engraving | circa 1726 | 21 5/8 x 14 inches

Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium - 1726 Edition – Antique Originals

Merian 1726, Pl. 64, Papaya

$5,200.00

Original hand-colored engraving | circa 1726 | 21 5/8 x 14 inches