The Rijksmuseum recently acquired a rare first-edition copy of Maria Sibylla Merian’s Metamorphosis of the Insects of Suriname, highlighting the work's significance in 18th-century book production.
Merian recorded local names of plants and insects, crediting local people for aiding her discoveries in Suriname, representing a different approach from her European contemporaries.
As a 52-year-old divorcee, Merian undertook a self-funded voyage to Suriname, driven by relentless curiosity to document the tropical insect lifecycle, showcasing her pioneering spirit.
The Metamorphosis is celebrated not just for its scientific value, but also for its artistic merit, blending aesthetic beauty with meticulous scientific observation.
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