![Half height banner for Maria Merian exhibition, showing a butterfly](https://cmsadmin.rct.uk/sites/default/files/lead_image_half_height/Merian_narrow_exhibition.jpg)
Explore the Exhibition
The drawings by Merian on display have been in the Royal Collection since c.1810. They were acquired by George III (r. 1760 – 1820) to form part of his scientific library. They had previously been owned by the famous physician Richard Mead (1673 – 1754) and the renowned botanist Sir John Hill (c.1714 – 1775).