The woman who made science beautiful
Maria was fascinated by the life cycle transformation of insect eggs into adulthood, and their sophisticated relationships with neighboring plants. Despite being a woman living in a deeply male-dominated society, she sold everything to travel to Suriname, South America. This was unheard of at the time; fieldwork and scientific research were done predominantly by wealthy men. But, having found success with her previous artwork and papers, Maria was able to fund her own scientific journey. A rather rare accomplishment for anyone, man or woman.
During her stay in Surinam, Maria studied the tropical flora and fauna with careful attention to the region’s plants and insects. Her meticulous depictions of caterpillar-to butterfly metamorphosis and notes from her travels become the focus of one of her greatest works: Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium (Metamorphosis of the Insects of Suriname).
Metamorphosis became a bestseller and received accolades by both the general public and the scientific community—including The Royal Academy, more than 250 years before the first woman was even permitted to join the organization.
What makes Maria’s work revolutionary is her perspective on the ecological connections between plants, insects, and animals. Her vibrant depictions capture complete life cycles, and the interconnectivity between wildlife and the environment showcased a new way of observing and recording the natural world.
