Plate 11

Caterpillars, Butterflies and Flower, 1705 (1705-1771)

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In this beautifully balanced composition, Merian has depicted two Saturniid moths Arsenura armada (Cramer) at top right and bottom left. The larvae are not the early stage of this moth as Merian had thought, but of another species. The plant in the center is the Palisade tree, which can grow sixty-five feet tall and is native to tropical South America. The Saturniid moth has a wide distribution from Mexico to southern Brazil and can vary greatly in appearance.

Details
Title
Caterpillars, Butterflies and Flower
Artist Life
1647-1717
Role
Artist
Accession Number
P.18,717
Provenance
Dwight and Helen Minnich, Minneapolis; sold to MIA, 1966.
Catalogue Raisonne
Nissen: 1342; Cat. Ger. Nat'l Museum, 1967
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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Plate 11