MARIA SIBYLLA MERIAN (GERMAN, 1647-1717) Study of a vine, caterpillars and pupa

MARIA SIBYLLA MERIAN (GERMAN, 1647–1717)
Study of a Vine, Caterpillars and Pupae
Black lead, pen and black ink, watercolor and bodycolor on vellum
Vellum size: 11 1/4 x 14 1/2 in.
Frame size: 23 3/4 x 20 1/2 in.

Provenance:
Sotheby’s Auction House; Charles Gasc (L.543); Auguste Schoy, Antwerp (L.64, and another similar mark, not in Lugt, probably also his).

This unfinished watercolor composition by Maria Sibylla Merian is a remarkable example of how the artist developed her studies. She begins with the vine, leaves, and the insect's stages of metamorphosis, while the floral and fruit elements—often added later—remain incomplete.

The style and technique are closely related to other works by Merian found in the albums of watercolors held in the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle and the British Museum. It is particularly akin to the Grape Vine with Vine Sphinx Moth and Satellite Sphinx Moth in the Royal Collection.

Similar grape vines and life cycle studies of butterflies and moths appear in plates 34 and 47 of Merian’s celebrated publication, Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium.