Related external works: reference

Maria Sibylla Merian, Wunder-raupen / Vermes mirculosi, Kupferstich, abgedruckt in: Der Raupen wunderbare Verwandelung, und sonderbare Blumen=nahrung, Nürnberg, Frankfurt am Main und Leipzig, Bd. 1, 1679, Tf. 17

Metamorphosis of the Lappet, after 1679

Blatt: 193 x 159 mm

Physical Description: Watercolour and gouache over transfer print on vellum

Inventory Number: 1495

Object Number: 1495 Z

Status: Can be presented in the study room of the Graphische Sammlung (special opening hours)

Texts

About the Work

Merian’s precious vellum drawings with motifs from the Caterpillar Book, published since 1679, were long regarded as the models for the engravings. They have recently proven, however, to be very carefully executed gouache drawings over transfer prints of the plates from the Caterpillar Book, undoubtedly intended for affluent buyers. In the Caterpillar Book, Merian explains that the “miracle caterpillars” depicted in Obj. No. 1495 Z had pupated immediately, before she had been able to identify and draw the corresponding host plant.