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Maria Sibylla Merian

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Pub Date Sep 09 2025 | Archive Date Aug 31 2025

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Description

This captivating study of the life and career of Maria Sibylla Merian focuses on her artistic output and accomplishments.

The career and achievements of Maria Sibylla Merian (1647–1717) are well-documented. A pioneering artist and scientist, she spent much of her life innovating across various mediums and disciplines. Her curiosity was so strong that it led her on a journey across the Atlantic Ocean from Europe to South America in pursuit of knowledge. While her status as an entomologist and naturalist has garnered the most attention, Merian has not yet received her full due as an artist. Raised by a family of illustrators and publishers, she learned how to draw, mix paints, create prints, and paint in watercolor from her stepfather, still-life expert Jacob Marrel. Her stepfather's attention and tutelage would provide the foundation for her talents to flourish and teach her that her gender was not a barrier to success.

In Maria Sibylla Merian, author Catherine Powell-Warren examines Merian through an art historical lens to better understand her life as a woman and illustrator in the early modern Dutch Republic. This volume highlights Merian’s artistic range, financial successes, and historical significance. Considering the obstacles women artists faced in this period, Merian’s achievements—namely her management of a successful artists’ studio and for-profit workshop—were extraordinary.
This captivating study of the life and career of Maria Sibylla Merian focuses on her artistic output and accomplishments.

The career and achievements of Maria Sibylla Merian (1647–1717) are...

Advance Praise

“Merian’s innovative artistry comes to life in this engaging, thoughtfully composed, and beautifully produced study of her milieu and her wide-ranging accomplishments. Powell-Warren’s book is bound to become an indispensable reference.”


—Claudia Swan, Mark Steinberg Weil Professor of Art History & Archaeology, Washington University in St. Louis

“Merian’s innovative artistry comes to life in this engaging, thoughtfully composed, and beautifully produced study of her milieu and her wide-ranging accomplishments. Powell-Warren’s book is bound...


Available Editions

EDITION Hardcover
ISBN 9781606069929
PRICE $45.00 (USD)
PAGES 144

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Featured Reviews

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Absolutely breathtaking in the artworks featured and to the level of analysis made by the contributors of this series. Much thanks to the publish(Disclaimer: I received the ARC from the publisher, but this has in no way influenced my review. My thoughts are entirely unbiased and honest.)

Absolutely breathtaking illustrations featured. I may know only a little about art history, but I'm really thankful for works like this that illuminate women artists.

As someone who is usually used to in-depth non-fiction, I wished some sections were more detailed like the excerpts from indigenous women.

Still rating it a perfect five stars because the epilogue was great. Powell-Warren likened the cultural context when Merian became an artist to today’s times.

I mean, with the existence of AI and its repercussions to our lives, this book surprisingly made me optimistic that art (created by human hands) will survive and thrive.

Much thanks to the publisher for providing this ARC. I will definitely revisit and purchase this book once it is available to the public!er for providing this ARC. Will definitely revisit and purchase this book once it is available to the public!

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Gorgeous book and incredibly informative, I went into this book knowing nothing about Maria Sibylla Merian, and I came away a fan! I can't wait to get a physical copy of this book; it would make an excellent gift/coffee table book, 4.25 stars!

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I had never heard of Maria sibylla Marian before reading this book, I think Catherine Powell Warren did an excellent job of showing her life to us. 5 stars!

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This is an interesting book about the artist, providing the right information without boring those who may not be art experts. The images are well-chosen, and the descriptions of the works are interesting and precise.

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This is a beautiful compilation of the art and life of Maria Sibylla Merian. While somewhat esoteric, this will be loved by nature admirers.

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