Merian issues folio plates for her study on Suriname's insects post-expedition.
In 1701, Maria Sibylla Merian began issuing the striking, hand-colored folio plates and texts based on her studies during her Suriname expedition. These formed the foundation of her masterwork, *Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium*.
The issuance of these plates was historically significant as it allowed Merian to control the entire production of her work and preserve its scientific accuracy. The illustrations depicted complete life cycles of insects alongside their host plants and habitat, integrating ecological observations that were revolutionary at the time. Her ability to capture and communicate the interconnectedness of life forms was years ahead of contemporary understanding and has led historians and ecologists to view her as an early pioneer in the study of ecology.