Natural history
Botanical and natural history art developed at the intersection of science and aesthetics. From Renaissance herbals to 18th-century illustrated catalogues, artists documented plants and animals with precision, often commissioned by scientists and explorers. These works served both scientific knowledge and decorative beauty, combining observation with artistic skill.
Key artwork of this topic:
Maria Sibylla Merian, Metamorphosis of the Insects of Suriname (1705) – A ground-breaking series of illustrations combining scientific study with exquisite artistry, documenting exotic plants and insects.
Find out more about her work at:
The Royal Collection Trust (view a digital scan of the book)
Artists to Research:
Albrecht Dürer
Maria Sibylla Merian
Pierre-Joseph Redouté
John James Audubon
Marianne North