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MARIA SIBYLLA MERIAN (1647-1717)
Peacock Flower with Carolina Sphinx Moth
1702-03RCIN 921202
Merian witnessed the metamorphosis of the Carolina Sphinx Moth (Manduca sexta) in early 1700. She was fascinated by the moth’s long proboscis, which she shows in use here. Unlike most of Merian’s illustrations, the moth is shown only once in this drawing, perhaps because it also rests with its wings open.