Maria Sibylla Merian

Women in Science

Maria Sibylla Merian April 2, 1647 – January 13, 1717

About

Merian is considered one of the first entomologists, scientists who study insects. With a love for painting and studying nature, Merian combined the two to produce detailed paintings of plants and animals.

In 1699, Merian began a trip to Surinam to paint insects and plants. Her paintings described the metamorphosis of butter-flies, detailing their transition from egg to buttery.

Did you Know?

Merian’s stay in Surinam lasted only two years after she became infected with malaria.

After buying 300 of Merian’s paintings, Peter the Great opened Russia’s first art museum in 1717 to display them.