Metamorphosis of a Butterfly - Maria Sibylla Merian
Archival giclée
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Description
A detailed engraving by Maria Sibylla Merian shows the metamorphosis of a butterfly, with a caterpillar, chrysalis, and two butterflies displayed on a leafy branch.
This print by Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717), a German-Swiss naturalist and scientific illustrator, depicts the life cycle of a butterfly. Merian was one of the first naturalists to observe insects directly. She travelled to Suriname in 1699 to study and document the insect life of the region. Her detailed observations and illustrations were published in her book, *Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium* (1705). This image shows a branch with leaves, a caterpillar, a chrysalis, and two butterflies. The caterpillar is black with white stripes and a red head. The chrysalis is oval and brown. One butterfly has brown and white patterned wings, while the other has wings with a pattern of white spots on a reddish-purple ground. The leaves are green with yellow undertones, and some show signs of insect damage. The composition is simple and direct, with a focus on scientific accuracy.
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Because every print is made to order, we don't offer change-of-mind returns, refunds or exchanges. If your order arrives faulty, damaged or incorrect, we'll replace it free of charge — just contact us within 48 hours of delivery. See our refunds page for full details.
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We ship worldwide, printing at the production hub nearest to your delivery address. Delivery times and costs vary by destination — you'll see the options available to you at checkout.
Manufacturing
Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
Care and materials
Specific Features
Every Solis piece is made to order with archival, gallery-quality materials built to last.
- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Multiple sizes and framing options available
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
- Framed prints arrive ready to hang
Care & Cleaning
To keep your artwork looking its best:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never use liquid cleaners on the print or canvas surface
- Keep in a dry, room-temperature space
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
Metamorphosis of a Butterfly - Maria Sibylla Merian
Artist Biography
Maria Sibylla Merian
Merian's artistic approach combined scientific accuracy with aesthetic appeal. Her detailed watercolours and engravings depicted insects alongside their host plants, creating visually arresting compositions. She meticulously documented the stages of insect development, from egg to larva to pupa to adult, providing valuable insights into entomology. Her magnum opus, *Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium*, showcased the biodiversity of Suriname and challenged prevailing scientific views.
Today, Merian's work appeals to collectors who appreciate the intersection of art and science. Her prints offer a glimpse into a world of natural wonders, rendered with precision and artistry. Her images possess both historical and aesthetic value, making them a striking addition to any collection. They are a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the natural world, as seen through the eyes of a remarkable woman.
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