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EXHIBITION

Maria Merian's Butterflies

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This exhibition is in the past. View our current exhibitions.
  • This event is in the past
    Daily (Friday 17 Mar 2017 - Saturday 22 Jul 2017)

In 1699, the German artist and entomologist Maria Sibylla Merian set sail with her youngest daughter for Suriname in South America.  There she would spend two years studying the animals and plants she encountered, leading to the publication of the lavishly illustrated  Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium (The Metamorphosis of the Insects of Suriname), which brought the wonders of Suriname to Europe. 

Maria Merian's Butterflies tells the artist’s extraordinary story through her works acquired by George III and now in the Royal Collection.  These include the luxury versions of the plates from the Metamorphosis, partially printed and then hand-painted on vellum by Merian herself.

Exhibition highlights


    The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.