After Merian, Papaya and Insects Plate 45, 19th Century, Hand-Coloured Lithograph

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Heliconia with Insects – After Maria Sibylla Merian, Plate 54 from Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium, 19th-century lithograph : A fine 19th-century … Read more Heliconia with Insects – After Maria Sibylla Merian, Plate 54 from Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium, 19th-century lithograph : A fine 19th-century hand-coloured lithograph after the original Plate 54 by Maria Sibylla Merian (1647–1717) from her celebrated work Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium, first published in Amsterdam in 1705. The composition depicts a vivid Heliconia plant with its striking red bracts and broad green leaves, surrounded by insects in various life stages, including caterpillars, chrysalises, and adult moths and flies. Merian’s groundbreaking approach combined botanical and zoological subjects in one composition, illustrating the full life cycle of each insect in relation to its host plant. The Heliconia, native to tropical South America and the Caribbean, is rendered with botanical precision, showing both the beauty of the plant and the natural interactions with the insects that depend on it. The artist’s attention to detail is evident in the lifelike textures of the foliage, the curling bracts, and the delicate wing patterns of the insects. While the original 1705 plate was a large-format copperplate engraving printed on laid paper, this later lithographic version was produced in the 19th century for a growing audience of natural history enthusiasts and decorative print collectors. Maria Sibylla Merian was a pioneering German-born naturalist and scientific illustrator. Her expedition to Suriname in 1699 was extraordinary for its time, and the resulting plates from Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium remain among the most important works of natural history illustration ever published. This lithograph preserves the elegance and educational value of her original composition while being more accessible to 19th-century buyers. Condition report: Very good condition. Colours are fresh and vibrant, with only minimal toning. No visible tears or creases. The print is presented in a dark green matting board, which enhances the rich reds of the Heliconia and complements the green foliage. Framing tips: A gilt, black, or deep wood frame will complement the dark green matting and highlight the vivid hand colouring. Use UV-protective glass to preserve the brightness of the pigments. Technique: Hand-coloured lithograph on wove paper Maker: After Maria Sibylla Merian, 19th century, based on Plate 54 from Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium (1705) See less