Minneapolis Institute of Art

Blue Butterflies and Pomegranate

After Maria Sibylla Merian; Engraver: Joseph Mulder

Date

1705–71

Medium

Hand-colored etching and engraving

Department

European Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

The two Morpho menelaus (Linnaeus) butterflies here are shown life-size. These slow-flying insects had a seven-inch wingspan and with their iridescent wings would have presented a dramatic sight high up in the jungle canopy. In this image Merian chose to illustrate the butterflies on a pomegranate tree. Though not native to South America, the tree had been introduced to Suriname and was quite familiar to her European audience. Netherlands

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