DISCOVERART

Maria Sibylla Merian

Convolvulus and Metamorphosis of the Convolvulus Hawk Moth

c. 1670–90
watercolor with touches of opaque watercolor over indications in black chalk or graphite on vellum

SEE IT IN PERSON

Not currently on view

In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland · as of July 2026

View at clevelandart.org ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART’S CATALOG

The artist who drew this life cycle of the European pink-spotted hawk moth from egg through caterpillar, pupa, and adult insect reared caterpillars in her home for 10 years before writing and illustrating a definitive text on metamorphosis.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by Maria Sibylla Merian

Study of Capers, Gorse, and a BeetleStudy of Capers, Gorse, and a BeetleHistoire générale des insects de Suriname et de toute l'Europe: Vol I, No. 55 - Poivre d'indeHistoire générale des insects de Suriname et de toute l'Euro

More like this

A Caterpillar and Two Moths on a Branch and Two ButterfliesNicolaas Struyk — A Caterpillar and Two Moths on a Branch anPlantae et papiliones rariores: No. 7Georg Dionysius Ehret (German, 1708–1770) — Plantae et papilStudies of InsectsJohannes Bronckhorst (Netherlands, 1648–1727) — Studies of ISwallow-Tailed Butterfly and Twelve Other Insects, from Diversae Insectorum...FiguraeWenceslaus Hollar — Swallow-Tailed Butterfly and Twelve OtheDragonflies and a bumble beeWenceslaus Hollar — Dragonflies and a bumble beeStudies of Fruits, Insects and ShellsMaria Sibylla Merian|Georg Flegel — Studies of Fruits, InsecRose Bush and ButterflyMary Altha Nims (American, 1817–1907) — Rose Bush and ButterA Moth, Butterflies, and Bees, from Diversae Insectorum...FiguraeWenceslaus Hollar — A Moth, Butterflies, and Bees, from DiveThree Caterpillars, a Moth, and Four Butterflies, from Diversae Insectorum...FiguraeWenceslaus Hollar — Three Caterpillars, a Moth, and Four ButA Dragonfly, Ladybirds, and Butterflies, from Diversae Insectorum...FiguraeWenceslaus Hollar — A Dragonfly, Ladybirds, and Butterflies,Muscarum Scarabeorum, vermiumque Variae Figure & Formae: A Moth, Three Butterflies and Two BeetlesWenceslaus Hollar (Bohemian, 1607–1677) — Muscarum ScarabeorInsects, Butterflies, and a DragonflyJan van Kessel — Insects, Butterflies, and a Dragonfly