Good morning! I know that for some Spring is a little slow in coming. So I thought I would share some illustrations of the flowers that you should be seeing by now.
Are you familiar with Maria Sibylla Merian?
She is an extraordinary talented researcher on botany,
insect life,
an artist, a natural scientist, and publisher
from the 17th and 18th century!
She was born in Frankfurt, Germany in 1647 and for her time she was a bit of a rebel. She was independent, strong-willed, talented and she did not conform to the ideas of what a traditional life for a woman was to be.
Although she was married and had children, she separated from her husband and raised her two daughters alone.
The original Book of Flowers was meant to be a model and exercise book for her painting classes to the daughters of wealthy families which is how she supported herself and her daughters.
Her work is unique for its time because she painted in water colors, as opposed to oils.
In addition, her work emphasized the flowers and their relationship to their natural surroundings and included the flora and fauna; not only the flowers but the insects, butterflies, and caterpillars found on the flowers.
I love this book! It is beautifully illustrated and each piece if a work of art.
What do you think? Interesting lady, and talented artist? I really did not know too much about Maria until I pulled this book out from my collection and now I cannot wait to find out more.
I hope that you have a great day!
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I love the scrolling effect of the lines in her leaves, flowers and ribbon on the wreath; I am more of an angular shaped person, but these are wonderful for a touch of feminine sensibilitys! Have a super day sweet friend. Anita
The photos above do not do her work justice, the detail and the art is stunning! I hope you have a fabulous weekend.
I love botanical prints and these are spectacular…they would be great framed. Thanks for sharing! xoxo
Sandy, you are so right, these pieces would look fabulous framed.
Beautiful botanicals. I play with watercolors so I am always studying those with actual talent. I will be looking for more material on Ms. Merian. Thanks, Bonnie
Bonnie, you would love this book! As well as any other works by her, each piece is stunning!
WOW!!! These are absolutely exquisite! Just stunning……hope you are doing great Elizabeth!
Yes! We had a splendid collection of her work at the Art Institute…exquisite!
This is just what we need…color, flowers…thank you, dear friend!
xoxo
Lovey images, Elizabeth!