Maria Sibylla Merian

Maria Sibylla Merian
Maria Sibylla Merian (1647–1717) was a German naturalist and artist, renowned for her precise studies of insects and plants. From a young age, she was fascinated by caterpillars and their transformation into butterflies. She also studied the plants on which they lived, making her work both artistically and scientifically valuable. Her work aligns with the nature studies of the late 17th century, a period that coincides with the Dutch Golden Age.

In 1699, Merian travelled to Suriname to study insects in their natural habitat. She recorded her observations in Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium (1705), featuring hand-coloured engravings of caterpillars, butterflies, and plants.

In the Rijksmuseumshop, you will find products inspired by the nature illustrations of Maria Sibylla Merian, in which her love of nature and eye for detail come to life.

Nature studies by Merian
A well-known illustration depicts a flowering hibiscus with butterflies, a caterpillar, and a chrysalis, showing the stages of metamorphosis.

The Rijksmuseum Shop offers jewellery inspired by this illustration, adorned with gemstones and a butterfly charm. Choose from necklaces, earrings and bracelets by A Beautiful Story, or gift a reader a premium bookmark.

Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium
In 1705, Merian compiled her findings in Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium, with detailed illustrations showing metamorphosis within a single image.

In the Rijksmuseumshop, you can find various products based on these illustrations, ranging from home decoration to jewellery and accessories. Prefer to get creative yourself? With the wooden flower press, handmade by SIZA, you preserve the most beautiful flowers and leaves.

Discover all products inspired by Maria Sibylla Merian in the Rijksmuseumshop.