The Caterpillars' Wonderful Transformation and Curious Flower-Nourishment, Pl. 30
1679-1683
Maria Sibylla Merian wasn't just an artist; she was a scientific pioneer who showed the world how caterpillars actually turn into butterflies. In this detailed engraving from her famous book on caterpillars, she maps out the entire life cycle of a moth right on its favorite snack: a currant bush. You can see the tiny eggs, the striped caterpillar munching on a leaf, the resting pupa, and the beautiful adult moth with its spotted wings. Before Merian, people thought insects just magically appeared from mud, but she proved they had a fascinating, structured life cycle all their own.
- Technique
- engraving
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