Search results

Start typing

Half height banner for Maria Merian exhibition, showing a butterfly
This exhibition is in the past. View our current exhibitions.
MARIA SIBYLLA MERIAN (1647-1717)

Watermelon vine with Acharia moth

1702-03

RCIN 921169

Merian found this brightly coloured caterpillar (Acharia ophelians) on a watermelon plant and waited for it to hatch, anticipating it would be an equally gaudy butterfly. On 10 August 1700, however, she noted that ‘such an unsightly moth emerged’. Reflecting on the unpredictability of the life cycles she was observing, she wrote ‘It has happened to me that the most beautiful and unusual caterpillars turned into the plainest creatures, while the plainest caterpillars turned into the most beautiful moths and butterflies’.

    The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.