Musa paradisiaca - Maria Sibylla Merian
Archival giclée
Ready to hang
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Made to order
Description
A detailed botanical illustration of the Musa paradisiaca plant (plantain) by Maria Sibylla Merian, the German-Swiss naturalist and scientific illustrator. This hand-coloured engraving showcases the plant's features alongside various insects.
This print depicts the Musa paradisiaca plant, commonly known as the plantain or cooking banana. The work is by Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717), a German-Swiss naturalist and scientific illustrator. Merian was a pioneer in the field of entomology, observing insects directly and documenting their life cycles through detailed illustrations. Her approach combined scientific observation with artistic skill, producing works that are both informative and aesthetically pleasing. Merian is best known for her expedition to Suriname in 1699, where she studied and illustrated the insects and plants of the region. Her major publication, *Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium* (1705), featured detailed engravings of tropical flora and fauna, including the plantain. This image shows the plant with its distinctive fruit, leaves, and thorns, as well as various insects, including caterpillars, moths, and grasshoppers. The composition is carefully arranged to display the plant's features and the insects' interactions with it. The colours are delicate and precise, reflecting Merian's attention to detail and her skill as a colourist. Merian's work contributed significantly to the scientific understanding of insects and plants, and her illustrations remain admired for their beauty and accuracy.
Return policy
Because every print is made to order, we don't offer change-of-mind returns, refunds or exchanges. If your order arrives faulty, damaged or incorrect, we'll replace it free of charge — just contact us within 48 hours of delivery. EU customers have a 14-day cooling-off right. See our refunds page for full details.
Shipping
We ship worldwide, printing at the production hub nearest to your delivery address. Delivery times and costs vary by destination — you'll see the options available to you at checkout.
Manufacturing
Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
Musa paradisiaca - Maria Sibylla Merian
Our Features
Designed for Lasting Impact
Specific Features
Every Solis piece is made to order with archival, gallery-quality materials built to last.
- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Choose poster, framed print, canvas or framed canvas
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
- Framed prints arrive ready to hang
Care & Cleaning
To keep your artwork looking its best:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never use liquid cleaners on the print or canvas surface
- Keep in a dry, room-temperature space
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
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Artist Biography
Maria Sibylla Merian
Merian's artistic approach combined scientific accuracy with aesthetic appeal. Her detailed watercolours and engravings depicted insects alongside their host plants, creating visually arresting compositions. She meticulously documented the stages of insect development, from egg to larva to pupa to adult, providing valuable insights into entomology. Her magnum opus, *Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium*, showcased the biodiversity of Suriname and challenged prevailing scientific views.
Today, Merian's work appeals to collectors who appreciate the intersection of art and science. Her prints offer a glimpse into a world of natural wonders, rendered with precision and artistry. Her images possess both historical and aesthetic value, making them a striking addition to any collection. They are a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the natural world, as seen through the eyes of a remarkable woman.
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