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1 of 253523 objects
Workshop of Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717)
Castor Oil Plant with Ricini Longwing Butterfly c.1705?
Watercolour and bodycolour with gum arabic on vellum | 40.3 x 30.2 cm (vellum sheet) | RCIN 921241
Workshop of Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717)
Castor Oil Plant with Ricini Longwing Butterfly c.1705?
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A watercolour of a branch of the Castor Oil Plant (Ricinus communis) with a Ricini Longwing Butterfly (Heliconius ricini). Although this work is closely related to plate 30 in Maria Sibylla Merian's Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium, it is not by Merian herself. It may have been painted by one of her daughters, both of whom were skilled artists who had been trained by their mother.
Provenance
Dr Richard Mead (1673–1754); his sale (London, Abraham Langford, 13–16 January 1755, lot 66), where purchased by an unknown collector; sold 15 June 1768 (London, Paterson and Eve, lot 572), where purchased by Sir John Hill via Wilson; George III by c.1810
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Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Watercolour and bodycolour with gum arabic on vellum
Measurements
40.3 x 30.2 cm (vellum sheet)
Other number(s)
RL 21241
