Cyanotypes • Natural History • Scientists • Maria Sibylla Merian

In the Pursuit of Knowledge

Name: In the Pursuit of Knowledge
Brand: Chloe Mccarrick
SKU: White Frame
Price: 5250.0 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Ode to Maria Merian

• Sold

Inspiration + Technique

Inspired by arts and science leader Maria Sibylla Merian

Maria Sibylla Merian was a pioneer of her time in the arts, science, and business. An extraordinary woman of the 17th century, left an indelible mark on both the worlds of art and science. Her exquisite botanical and entomological illustrations, meticulously detailed and bursting with life, were far ahead of her time and remain revered as masterpieces.

From an early age Merian was an accomplished painter of flowers and insects and an entomologist, possessing a great ability to move between art and science. Fusing artistic endeavour and nature observation, her fascinating paintings defied Victorian categorisation. They are a fitting monument to such an unusual figure whose life, too, was a blaze of colour making her one of the greatest artist‑naturalists of her time.

Merian's contributions reached far beyond the canvas. Her groundbreaking scientific observations and research on the metamorphosis of insects transformed our understanding of entomology and the natural world. In an era when the scientific community was largely male-dominated, her work challenged convention and broke barriers.

Maria Sibylla Merian's legacy is a testament to the power of curiosity and the boundless potential of human determination. Her life's work continues to inspire scientists, artists, and nature enthusiasts, reminding us that art and science are not separate realms but intertwined expressions of the awe and wonder of the natural world. She stands as a symbol of the enduring connection between creativity and discovery, and her name shines brightly in the pantheon of women who have advanced both art and science through their passion and pioneering spirit.

Technique

In The Pursuit Of Knowledge (Ode To Maria Merian) was created by constructing a hand-cut collage using female photographic portraiture and photograms and photographs of flower specimens, silk moths and cocoons.

After coating the handmade paper with light-sensitive chemistry, it is left to dry in a dark room. The large scale negative is then contact printed onto the paper by exposing to daylight (UV rays).

The prints are then processed by thoroughly washing in water to remove any unexposed solution. It can then be hung to dry, developing to full density Prussian blue after 24 hours. Once dried the individual butterflies and flowers are cut out and mounted to create the multi-layered collage.

Medium

Cyanotype papercut collage, handmade paper

3D Papercut Original Cyanotype

Dimensions

Size Large: 700mm diameter

In the frame

This artwork is sold framed.
700mm (diameter) x 30mm (depth) x 18mm (face)

Unframed

550mm (diameter)

Frame + Materials

White circular frame, museum glass

Framed artwork arrives ready to hang. A London-based expert team crafts each frame using primed and sanded wood with a soft-sheen finish. All frames feature 2mm anti-reflective, UV-protected glazing. For custom framing, get in touch.

Mount

All framed cyanotypes are float mounted. The artwork floats above a snow-white mount board, showcasing the paper texture and deckled edging.

Paper

Handmade recycled cotton rag paper: 320gsm / 100% Cotton Rag / Recycled / Acid Free / PH Neutral / Medium Rough

Trusted by collectors worldwide

Rated ★★★★★ by online art buyers. Every artwork is professionally packaged for safe delivery.

Enjoy complimentary shipping

Shipping is free on this artwork to the UK, US, and Canada. Find out about

In the frame

Each frame is handmade by a London based design team

High quality finish

Wooden frame primed, sanded, and sprayed with soft-sheen black or white paint for a premium finish.

Museum-grade glass

All frames come with gallery spec, 2mm thick anti-reflective/ UV glazing as standard.

Snow-white mount

The artwork floats above a snow-white mount board, showcasing the paper texture and deckled edging.

‘Art and nature shall always be wrestling until they eventually conquer one another so that the victory is the same stroke and line.’

Maria Sibylla Merian

The timeless art of cyanotype printmaking

Cyanotypes, often referred to as 'blueprints', harness the power of sunlight to capture intricate designs and forms.

This age-old technique involves treating paper with a specific chemical concoction, placing objects or negatives atop, and then exposing it to sunlight.

Each artwork is meticulously crafted on handmade paper, signed with a cetificate of authenticity.

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Inspiration:	Maria Sibylla Merian
Year:	2021
Materials:	3D Cyanotype, Handmade Paper, Paper cut Collage
Dimensions:	700mm x 700mm x 30mm (Depth)

Inspiration:	Maria Sibylla Merian
Year:	2021
Materials:	3D Cyanotype, Handmade Paper, Paper cut Collage
Dimensions:	700mm x 700mm x 30mm (Depth)

Shipping Cost	All artworks: Free Postcards & small goods: £2.95
Delivery Time	2-3 days (from placing the order)
Delivery Method	DHL or Parcelforce Courier Service Professionally packaged, including custom crates when necessary Smalls goods via Royal Mail
Tracking	You will be sent a tracking number once the artwork has been shipped

Tax	Included in price
Custom Duties	Not Applicable, we ship from the UK

Shipping Cost	All artworks: Free Postcards & small goods: $7.25
Delivery Time	3-6 days (from placing the order)
Delivery Method	DHL or Parcelforce Courier Service Professionally packaged, including custom crates when necessary Smalls goods via Royal Mail
Tracking	You will be sent a tracking number once the artwork has been shipped

Sales Tax	Included in price
Custom Duties	For artworks valued up to $2,500, you won’t need to pay customs duties. For artworks over $2,500, you'll be contacted by either the customs agency or the delivery service if there are any additional charges to be paid.

Shipping Cost	Postcards & small goods: £4.50 Unframed art: £14.95 Framed art - mini & small: £25 Framed art - medium: £65 Framed art - large & extra large: £95
Delivery Time	3-6 days (from placing the order)
Delivery Method	DHL or Parcelforce Courier Service Professionally packaged, including custom crates when necessary Smalls goods via Royal Mail
Tracking	You will be sent a tracking number once the artwork has been shipped

Shipping Cost	Postcards & small goods: £9.95 Unframed art: £14.95 Framed art - mini & small: £25 Framed art - medium: £150 Framed art - large & extra large: £250
Delivery Time	7-10 days (from placing the order)
Delivery Method	DHL or Parcelforce Courier Service Professionally packaged, including custom crates when necessary
Tracking	You will be sent a tracking number once the artwork has been shipped

In the Pursuit of Knowledge

SEE IT LIVE IN YOUR ROOM

Inspired by arts and science leader Maria Sibylla Merian

Technique

Cyanotype papercut collage, handmade paper

Size Large: 700mm diameter

In the frame

Unframed

White circular frame, museum glass

Mount

Paper