Who still remembers the woman on the 500 Mark bill, and if they do, who is even familiar with this outstanding "female person" of the 17th century? Maria Sibylla Merian.
She was the daughter of Matthäus Merian, Germany's most famous topographer and etcher to this day, whose art she learned about only in a roundabout way, since he died when she was 3 years old. Born in 1747, she belonged to the post-traumatic society of the Thirty Years' War. Her family environment was distinctly European. Her father was from Basel, her stepsiblings' mother from Flanders, her own mother from Wallonia, and her stepfather, the flower painter Jacob Marrel, from the Netherlands. She was highly talented, but she had no interest in the work of her stepbrothers, who continued to publish cityscapes and battle scenes in Frankfurt. She obviously loved nature, especially flowers, and her painterly sketches and especially her etchings, still today, as with her father mistakenly called copper engravings, found and still find great interest.
But this would probably not have been enough to classify her as an exceptional person. During her artistic activity, which showed an early maturity, she developed into an early representative of biological research and at the same time lived a life, even for today's understanding, open and almost novelistic. Where exactly her interest in nature came from can only be guessed. In any case, her most important teacher was Jacob Marrel, a student of Georg Flegel, who is considered today to be the real founder of still-life painting. She married Johann Andreas Graff, a pupil of her stepfather, and moved with him to Nuremberg. There she came to the attention of Joachim Sandrart, the German Vasari. However, the marriage with Graff showed modern traits, which finally ended after a war of roses. Whether this already happened under the influence of the early Pietestist sectarians of the Labadists remains open. A woman as an independent art entrepreneur. In any case, in 1686 she moved to Nieuwerd Castle in the Netherlands into a Purisite community that today would be called a religious commune. However, the climate of the community became so radicalized that she moved to "unholy" Amsterdam in 1791. Her book editions were well respected, but due to the high cost and low circulation, she was forced to engage in sideline activities, such as teaching painting to women. Women and art remained a taboo subject until the end of the 19th century, which even Maria Sibylla could not change.
She was able to stabilize her economic situation to such an extent that she was able to start an expedition for science and art, her journey to Dutch Surinam, an adventure even for men at that time. After selling almost all her possessions, the already over 50-year-old embarked with her younger daughter to Suriname against all well-meaning recommendations. Her two years of research were followed by the publication of her magnum opus, the "Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium", the fundamental book on the evolution of butterflies. With this early scientific natural research, she became the founder of butterfly science (lepidopterology). The natural scientists of the 19th century reviled her scientific image, but the founder of modern nomenclature in biology, Carl von Linné, appreciated her work. Unaffected by scientific debates, however, is one insight.
Her depictions of plants, butterflies, and flowers remain unmatched.
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.jpg "Iris à feuille large - in")
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.jpg "Blue Butterflies and Pomegranate by Maria Sibylla Merian")
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 - (MeisterDrucke-134030).jpg "Tulip, two Branches of Myrtle and two Shells, c.1700 by Maria Sibylla Merian")
 - (MeisterDrucke-134030).jpg)
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1276125).jpg "Helleborus niger (Christmas Rose) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1276125).jpg)
.jpg "Lemon, from the Book Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium by Maria Sibylla Merian")
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.jpg "Cacao. From the Book Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium, 1705 by Maria Sibylla Merian")
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_-_(MeisterDrucke-1263149).jpg "Tulipa gesneriana (Garden Tulip) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1263149).jpg)
.jpg "From the Book Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium, 1705 by Maria Sibylla Merian")
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_Rosa_gallica_versicolor_(Rosa_Mundi)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1266532).jpg "Rosa ×centifolia (centifolia rose); Rosa gallica versicolor (")
_Rosa_gallica_versicolor_(Rosa_Mundi)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1266532).jpg)
 (wc) - (MeisterDrucke-115978).jpg "Thorn Apple (Datura Wrightii) by Maria Sibylla Merian")
 (wc) - (MeisterDrucke-115978).jpg)
.jpg "Althea. From the Book Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium by Maria Sibylla Merian")
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_-_(MeisterDrucke-1272873).jpg "Tulipa gesneriana (Garden Tulip) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1272873).jpg)
.jpg "A Parrot Tulip, Auriculas, Red Currants, with a Magpie Moth, its caterpillar and pupa by Maria Sibylla Merian")
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.jpg "Album sheet with a rose, 1675 by Maria Sibylla Merian")
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.jpg "Pineapple. From the Book Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium, 1705 by Maria Sibylla Merian")
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.jpg "Grenadier. From the Book Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium by Maria Sibylla Merian")
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_-_(MeisterDrucke-1272283).jpg "Tulipa gesneriana (Garden Tulip) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1272283).jpg)
.jpg "No.1146c Hypericum Baxiforum with Snails and a Beetle by Maria Sibylla Merian")
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.jpg "Rosier. From the Book Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium by Maria Sibylla Merian")
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.jpg "Metamorphosis of a Frog and Blue Flower by Maria Sibylla Merian")
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.jpg "Vigne Blanche d")
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.jpg "Figuier d")
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.jpg "Tabrouba. From the Book Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium, 1705 by Maria Sibylla Merian")
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.jpg "Deep Sea Fish, Crabs, and Sea Snails by Maria Sibylla Merian")
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.jpg "Alligator and Snake by Maria Sibylla Merian")
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.jpg "Surinam Caiman Protecting Her Hatchlings from a Coral Snake by Maria Sibylla Merian")
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.jpg "Unknown Image by Maria Sibylla Merian")
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.jpg "Poivre d")
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.jpg "Cassava, From the Book Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium by Maria Sibylla Merian")
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.jpg "Eichhornia Crassipes from the Book Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium by Maria Sibylla Merian")
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 - (MeisterDrucke-195250).jpg "Iris Susiana by Maria Sibylla Merian")
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.jpg "The Wonderful Transformation of Caterpillars and Their Strange Flower Food by Maria Sibylla Merian")
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_Primula_veris_(hulkravet_kodriver)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1273746).jpg "Primula Veris (Hybrid of Cowslip); Primula Veris (Cowslip) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Primula_veris_(hulkravet_kodriver)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1273746).jpg)
_Or_-_(MeisterDrucke-1283367).jpg "Ophrys apifera or Ophrys sphegodes (Bee Orchid or Early Spider Orchid); Orchis simia (Monkey Orchid); Ophrys apifera (Bee Orchid); Orchis (Orchid); Orchis militaris (Military Orchid); Ophrys insectifera (Fly Orchid) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Or_-_(MeisterDrucke-1283367).jpg)
_Primula_farinosa_(melet_kodr_-_(MeisterDrucke-1265568).jpg "Primula Vulgaris (Hybrid of Large-Flowered Primrose); Primula Farinosa (Mealy Primrose) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Primula_farinosa_(melet_kodr_-_(MeisterDrucke-1265568).jpg)
_Euonymus_europaeus_(almindelig_benved)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1271443).jpg "Euonymus latifolius (Broad-leaved Spindle); Euonymus europaeus (Common Spindle) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Euonymus_europaeus_(almindelig_benved)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1271443).jpg)
_Ornithogalum_pyramidale_(pyramide-fuglem_-_(MeisterDrucke-1265890).jpg "Ornithogalum Umbellatum; Ornithogalum Pyramidale; Gagea Lutea; Ornithogalum Nutans by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Ornithogalum_pyramidale_(pyramide-fuglem_-_(MeisterDrucke-1265890).jpg)
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1280015).jpg "Fritillaria Meleagris (Common Snake")
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1280015).jpg)
_Allium_nigrum_(sort_lg)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1262995).jpg "Allium sphaerocephalon; Allium nigrum by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Allium_nigrum_(sort_lg)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1262995).jpg)
_Narcissus_-_(MeisterDrucke-1279275).jpg "Narcissus pseudonarcissus minor; Narcissus pseudonarcissus (daffodil); Narcissus ×tenuior; Narcissus bulbocodium (hoop-petticoat daffodil); Narcissus pseudonarcissus bicolor (two-colored daffodil) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Narcissus_-_(MeisterDrucke-1279275).jpg)
 - (MeisterDrucke-174294).jpg "Mature Pineapple with Butterflies by Maria Sibylla Merian")
 - (MeisterDrucke-174294).jpg)
_Campanula_pyramidalis_(pyramide-klokk_-_(MeisterDrucke-1281883).jpg "Campanula persicifolia (Peach-leaved Bellflower); Campanula pyramidalis (Pyramidal Bellflower); Anthericum ramosum (Branched St. Bernard")
_Campanula_pyramidalis_(pyramide-klokk_-_(MeisterDrucke-1281883).jpg)
_Narcissus_medioluteus_(toblo_-_(MeisterDrucke-1263000).jpg "Narcissus pseudonarcissus moschatus; Narcissus ×medioluteus; Narcissus pseudonarcissus major by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Narcissus_medioluteus_(toblo_-_(MeisterDrucke-1263000).jpg)
.jpg "Blue Butterflies and Red Larva, Blue Spines by Maria Sibylla Merian")
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_Lavandula_angustifolia_(gte_lavendel)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1297446).jpg "Lavandula multifida; Lavandula angustifolia by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Lavandula_angustifolia_(gte_lavendel)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1297446).jpg)
_Lupinus_luteus_(gul_lupin)_Lupinus_angustifolius_(sma_-_(MeisterDrucke-1269803).jpg "Lupinus pilosus (Blue Lupin); Lupinus luteus (Yellow Lupin); Lupinus angustifolius (Narrow-leaved Lupin); Lupinus albus (White Lupin) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Lupinus_luteus_(gul_lupin)_Lupinus_angustifolius_(sma_-_(MeisterDrucke-1269803).jpg)
_Aconitum_napellus_(gte_stormhat)_Aconitum_-_(MeisterDrucke-1274761).jpg "Aconitum lycoctonum; Aconitum napellus; Aconitum anthora by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Aconitum_napellus_(gte_stormhat)_Aconitum_-_(MeisterDrucke-1274761).jpg)
_Philadelphus_coronarius_(vellugtende_pibeved)_Sy_-_(MeisterDrucke-1275816).jpg "Syringa ×persica (Persian Lilac); Philadelphus coronarius (Mock Orange); Syringa vulgaris (Common Lilac) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Philadelphus_coronarius_(vellugtende_pibeved)_Sy_-_(MeisterDrucke-1275816).jpg)
_Lathyrus_tuberosus_(knold-fladblg)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1273136).jpg "Lathyrus sylvestris; Lathyrus tuberosus by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Lathyrus_tuberosus_(knold-fladblg)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1273136).jpg)
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1276249).jpg "Tulipa gesneriana (garden tulip) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1276249).jpg)
_Primula_vulgaris_(hybrid_af_storblo_-_(MeisterDrucke-1274020).jpg "Primula veris (Hybrid of Cowslip); Primula vulgaris (Hybrid of Primrose) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Primula_vulgaris_(hybrid_af_storblo_-_(MeisterDrucke-1274020).jpg)
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1277848).jpg "Helianthus Annuus (Common Sunflower) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1277848).jpg)
_Prunus_tenella_(dvrg-mandel)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1273316).jpg "Prunus dulcis (almond); Prunus tenella (dwarf almond) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Prunus_tenella_(dvrg-mandel)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1273316).jpg)
 - (MeisterDrucke-162761).jpg "Great Blue Butterflies and Red Fruits, 1705-71 by Maria Sibylla Merian")
 - (MeisterDrucke-162761).jpg)
_Bellis_perennis_(almindelig_tusindfryd)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1267851).jpg "Mirabilis jalapa (Marvel of Peru); Bellis perennis (Common Daisy) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Bellis_perennis_(almindelig_tusindfryd)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1267851).jpg)
.jpg "Cardos Spinosus: Beetles and Caterpillars, plate 69 from")
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_Cyclamen_hederifolium_(vedbendbladet_alpevi_-_(MeisterDrucke-1271130).jpg "Cyclamen Purpurascens (Alpine Violet); Cyclamen Hederifolium (Ivy-leaved Cyclamen) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Cyclamen_hederifolium_(vedbendbladet_alpevi_-_(MeisterDrucke-1271130).jpg)
_Anemone_fulgens_(skinnende_anemone)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1284810).jpg "Anemone coronaria; Anemone ×fulgens by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Anemone_fulgens_(skinnende_anemone)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1284810).jpg)
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1282089).jpg "Gladiolus communis by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1282089).jpg)
.jpg "Fight between a crocodile and a snake - in General History of Insects of Surinam and of All Europe, by Maria Sibylla de Merian, Paris by Maria Sibylla Merian")
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_Narcissus_medioluteus_(toblomstret_narcis)_Narcissus_b_-_(MeisterDrucke-1268026).jpg "Narcissus tazetta; Narcissus ×medioluteus; Narcissus bulbocodium by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Narcissus_medioluteus_(toblomstret_narcis)_Narcissus_b_-_(MeisterDrucke-1268026).jpg)
_Convallaria_majalis_(varietet_af_liljekonval)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1283123).jpg "Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley); Convallaria majalis (Variety of Lily of the Valley) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Convallaria_majalis_(varietet_af_liljekonval)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1283123).jpg)
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1269094).jpg "Digitalis Purpurea (Common Foxglove) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1269094).jpg)
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1274804).jpg "Tulip gesneriana (garden tulip) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1274804).jpg)
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1274421).jpg "Tulipa gesneriana (Garden Tulip) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1274421).jpg)
_Hippocrepis_emerus_(busk-hestesko)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1263008).jpg "Colutea arborescens; Hippocrepis emerus by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Hippocrepis_emerus_(busk-hestesko)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1263008).jpg)
.jpg "Blue Butterflies and Foliage, 1705-71 by Maria Sibylla Merian")
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_-_(MeisterDrucke-1271497).jpg "Tulipa gesneriana (Garden Tulip) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1271497).jpg)
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1265540).jpg "Anemone Coronaria (French Anemone) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1265540).jpg)
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1277812).jpg "Alcea rosea (Garden Hollyhock) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1277812).jpg)
_Aconitum_napellus_(gte_stormhat)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1276123).jpg "Aconitum variegatum (Variegated Monkshood); Aconitum napellus (True Monkshood) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Aconitum_napellus_(gte_stormhat)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1276123).jpg)
_Muscari_racemosum_(muskat-perlehyac_-_(MeisterDrucke-1270551).jpg "Muscari botryoides (Common Grape Hyacinth); Muscari racemosum (Clustered Grape Hyacinth); Muscari neglectum by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Muscari_racemosum_(muskat-perlehyac_-_(MeisterDrucke-1270551).jpg)
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1263648).jpg "Anemone Coronaria (French Anemone) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1263648).jpg)
.jpg "Black Spiders on Guava Feeding on Ants or Catching Colobritgens in Their Nest in Maria Sibylla Merian")
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_Galanthus_nivalis_(almindelig_vintergk)_Le_-_(MeisterDrucke-1263658).jpg "Leucojum Aestivum (Summer Snowflake); Galanthus Nivalis (Common Snowdrop); Leucojum Vernum (Spring Snowflake) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Galanthus_nivalis_(almindelig_vintergk)_Le_-_(MeisterDrucke-1263658).jpg)
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1264673).jpg "Tulip gesneriana (garden tulip) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1264673).jpg)
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1284813).jpg "Colocasia esculenta (taro) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1284813).jpg)
_Nymphaea_alba_(hvid_nkkerose)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1263053).jpg "Nuphar lutea (Yellow Water Lily); Nymphaea alba (White Water Lily) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Nymphaea_alba_(hvid_nkkerose)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1263053).jpg)
_Iris_xiphium_(spansk_iris)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1279240).jpg "Iris latifolia (English Iris); Iris xiphium (Spanish Iris) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Iris_xiphium_(spansk_iris)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1279240).jpg)
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1281005).jpg "Lilium pyrenaicum (Pyrenean Lily) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1281005).jpg)
.jpg "Narcissus - in Histoire Générale des Insects de Surinam et de Toute l")
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 - (MeisterDrucke-210004).jpg "Caterpillars, Butterflies and Flower, 1705-71 by Maria Sibylla Merian")
 - (MeisterDrucke-210004).jpg)
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1282152).jpg "Tulipa gesneriana (Garden Tulip) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1282152).jpg)
.jpg "Inflorescence of Banana, 1705 by Maria Sibylla Merian")
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_-_(MeisterDrucke-1265796).jpg "Narcissus pseudonarcissus (Daffodil) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1265796).jpg)
 - (MeisterDrucke-201984).jpg "Sphinx Moth, Larva, Pupa, and Flower by Maria Sibylla Merian")
 - (MeisterDrucke-201984).jpg)
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1277810).jpg "Muscari botryoides (Common Grape Hyacinth) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1277810).jpg)
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1268110).jpg "Centaurea Cyanus (Cornflower) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1268110).jpg)
_Anemone_fulgens_(skinnende_anemone)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1270112).jpg "Anemone coronaria (French Anemone); Anemone ×fulgens (Shining Anemone) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Anemone_fulgens_(skinnende_anemone)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1270112).jpg)
_Iris_pseudacorus_(gul_iris)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1263197).jpg "Iris Graminea (Grass-Leaved Iris); Iris Pseudacorus (Yellow Iris) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Iris_pseudacorus_(gul_iris)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1263197).jpg)
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1265559).jpg "Citrus Sinensis (Orange) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1265559).jpg)
_Anemone_coronaria_(fransk_anemone)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1282906).jpg "Anemone ×fulgens; Anemone coronaria by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Anemone_coronaria_(fransk_anemone)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1282906).jpg)
_Moluccella_spinosa_(tornet_tragtb_-_(MeisterDrucke-1266432).jpg "Dracocephalum moldavica (Moldavian Dragonhead); Moluccella spinosa (Spiny Moluccella); Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Moluccella_spinosa_(tornet_tragtb_-_(MeisterDrucke-1266432).jpg)
_Lilium_martagon_(krans-lilje)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1265715).jpg "Lilium pyrenaicum (Pyrenean Lily); Lilium martagon (Martagon Lily) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Lilium_martagon_(krans-lilje)_-_(MeisterDrucke-1265715).jpg)
.jpg "Pineapple. From the Book Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium, 1705 by Maria Sibylla Merian")
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_-_(MeisterDrucke-1281266).jpg "Tulipa Gesneriana (Garden Tulip) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1281266).jpg)
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1265563).jpg "Lilium Martagon (Martagon Lily) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1265563).jpg)
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1303615).jpg "Tulipa gesneriana by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_-_(MeisterDrucke-1303615).jpg)
_Cypripedium_calceolus_(stor_fruesko)_Ranunculus_asia_-_(MeisterDrucke-1268635).jpg "Adonis vernalis; Cypripedium calceolus; Ranunculus asiaticus; Ranunculus by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Cypripedium_calceolus_(stor_fruesko)_Ranunculus_asia_-_(MeisterDrucke-1268635).jpg)
_Bulbocodium_vernum_(vr-lysblomst)_Sternberg_-_(MeisterDrucke-1276641).jpg "Colchicum variegatum (Spotted Meadow Saffron); Bulbocodium vernum (Spring Meadow Saffron); Sternbergia lutea (Yellow Sternbergia) by Hans Simon Holtzbecker")
_Bulbocodium_vernum_(vr-lysblomst)_Sternberg_-_(MeisterDrucke-1276641).jpg)
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