The lovely Maria Opens Up was 40 this week, a landmark that can’t possibly go unnoticed on the Exposing 40 blog.
Those of you who follow Maria on Twitter will know her online moniker is Maria Sibylla and her handle is @MSM1647. What you may not know is that Maria Sibylla Merian, born in 1647, was a talented scientific illustrator who David Attenborough (hero!) regards as one the most important entomologists the world has ever known.
Divorced from her husband, she took her daughter to the jungles of Suriname and turned her love of butterflies and insects into her work. In the early 1700s, way before cameras existed and when common belief was that insects were horrid creatures born of mud, she published a beautiful book of paintings that charted the life cycle of the insect world. Today her illustrations are regarded as art and science. What a woman!
There’s nothing very scientific about this photo, but there’s some pretty insects! Happy Birthday, Maria. Welcome to Club Forties – it’s a fabulous place to be! Xx
Exposing40
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March 19, 2016 at 9:13 pm
love these sparkly bugs 🙂
BMN x
March 19, 2016 at 9:26 pm
Love this! ~C
March 20, 2016 at 12:13 am
What a beautiful thoughtful tribute to a wonderful blogger. Welcome to the 40’s club
Mollyxxx
March 20, 2016 at 1:19 am
such a gorgeous image, and Maria’s birthday should definitely not go unnoticed!!! xxx
March 20, 2016 at 2:15 am
Oh my gosh! This is so lovely and so thoughtful! Thank you! I discovered Maria Merian while working on a play called ‘Maria’s Metamorphosis’. When I was thinking of a name for this experience, I recalled that experience and her and thought it was all really fitting. I admired her spirit and talent and independence in a time when it wasnt common for a woman to be on her own.
I also find her work to be amazingly beautiful. As I do yours, Ms. E40. Your skin is absolutely lovely here, and the jeweled insects are delightful.
Thank you so much!! xoxo
March 20, 2016 at 2:35 am
Beautiful and happy birthday to Maria.
March 20, 2016 at 4:58 am
magical!
March 20, 2016 at 10:04 am
I love it! Insects are incredible (I totally don’t get why people are so afraid of them) – these glittery creatures look great on you. ^^
March 20, 2016 at 10:07 am
Happy Birthday Maria!
and welcome to the 40s!
March 20, 2016 at 5:06 pm
Gorgeous image and such a fabulous tribute!
Happy birthday Maria!
Rebel xox
March 20, 2016 at 8:09 pm
love this photo x happy birthday x
March 20, 2016 at 8:56 pm
I do love an insect they are absolutely fascinating creatures. Beautiful image and wonderful tribute.
Velvet x
March 20, 2016 at 11:13 pm
Lovely post . . . and a lovely photo-tribute!!!
Xxx – K
March 21, 2016 at 1:27 am
Happy birthday! Beautiful image and words.
March 21, 2016 at 4:23 am
Not only are the colors magnificent and bright, but my hat’s off to you for being able to stay still!!
March 21, 2016 at 9:14 pm
What a truly fabulous tribute!
March 24, 2016 at 3:07 pm
i think i would have been her best friend haha
i love bugs
beautiful pic!
March 26, 2016 at 7:21 pm
I love the way they shine against your gorgeous pale skin.