Maria Sybilla Merian was born in 1647. The daughter of famous engraver and publisher MatthaŠs Merian the Elder, she was well trained in the arts. This was unusual at the time, as women were not generally allowed to study. Merian's exquisite drawings of flowers made her famous in her lifetime. She emerged as a leading researcher on botany and insect life, creating her art with a unique combination of elegance and scientific accuracy. AM is proud to continue a wonderful Dutch tradition in reissuing Maria Sybilla's creations on museum quality art paper and hand colored by experienced artists.