Maria Sibylla Merian Conference Amsterdam 7 – 9 June 2017

Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717) is one of the more intriguing figures of scientific, artistic and commercial culture of the early modern period. Born in Frankfurt, and later based in Nuremberg, Wieuwerd and Amsterdam, her scientific interest in entomology led her eventually to Surinam, where, as in Europe, she studied the metamorphoses of insects in their natural habitat. She translated her minute observations into powerful artistic representations that still attract the attention of many scholars, such as biologists, art historians and science historians. Modern artists and novelists also find inspiration in her work and life.

The aim of the conference is to bring together new research and projects relating to Maria Sibylla Merian. With her life and work as a focal point this conference will also explore topics that relate to Merian from a broader perspective, such as the religious context of her work, early modern book production, Merian’s social network, Surinam as a colony, and entomological research. Please find more information about the program here.

Acclaimed speakers

The speakers at the conference will include internationally well-known experts and researchers such as George McGavin, Redmond O’Hanlon, Kay Etheridge and Katharina Schmidt-Loske. The conference is being organised by the Maria Sibylla Merian Society and Artis Library, part of the University of Amseterdam.

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You must book separately for the conference dinner on Thursday 8 June.
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Language

The conference will be in English.