“But Maria explained and painted their life cycle. Their metamorphosis from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly. She not only explained that process, she showed which plant species each butterfly species was dependent upon. This book revolutionised the study of insects in Europe. But it also helped Maria raise the funds to embark upon a journey to study the more exotic creatures that she knew she would find in the tropical regions of the Dutch empire.”
David Olusoga, Civilisations, ep. 6 ‘First Contact’ (BBC 2018)
I was actually thinking of making a post on her myself because she is currently my favorite historical figure. Maria Sibylla Marian was interested in insects at a time when women who were interested in insects were often suspected to be witches. And she didn’t give a shit. Her family also refused to own slaves, which was very progressive for their time. As an insect lover and artist myself, she is so important to me.
I use to wonder…is this who I was in a past life?
Penhales 