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Insect Metamorphism Poster |
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A223 Insect Metamorphosis
Insect metamorphosis is taught in every life science class. Each of these
nine paintings shows the larva, pupa, and a mature specimen of a different
insect, making this poster especially appropriate for education.
Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717) was the first artist to paint and show
species in their native environments. In 1699, at age 52, she sailed on one of
the fragile wooden ships of the day across the vast Atlantic Ocean to the wild,
unexplored jungles of South America. There she was able to observe living
specimens of remarkable and previously unknown insects.
Each of her magnificent paintings features an insect in all three stages of
life. But she went beyond that and showed them on the plant that provides
their most frequent habitat or food source. Many are exotic, and all are shown
complete with foliage, flowers, and fruit. Merian set the standard for the many
botanical and zoological artists who followed. Thus, this poster has great art
and art history value
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Merian created her superb paintings
over 300 years ago, and they have
never been surpassed in beauty or scientific
accuracy. Her masterpieces are
exhibited in museums worldwide. She is
the subject of a permanent exhibit at the
National Museum of Women in the Arts
in Washington, DC.
An informative inset tells the fascinating
story of this courageous and talented
woman who was so many, many years
ahead of her time. Her remarkable
accomplishments appeal to those interested
in the achievements of women.
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