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Note the difference (circled) between Maria Sibylla Merian's original painting of Surinam wildlife, as reproduced on the postage stamp, and the engraved copy produced in 1795 to its left. |
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The later work is titled "Bromelia, Plate 1, The Ananas Pine-Apple-Plant" with the attribution "London, Published as the Act directs October 3, 1795 by J. Wilkes". This reproduction may have been part of a scientific study requested and/or funded by an act of government -- similar works have been published in the United States by Acts of Congress -- or the "Act" refered to may be an early form of copyright.
An enlargement (110K) and detail of the London copy can be seen here. Next gallery image. home | words | links | email |
Why was the insect so prominently featured at the top center of Merian's
painting, omitted from the copy?