“Rote Lilie,” created by Maria Sibylla Merian in 1705, is an exquisite example of the Naturalism art movement and belongs to the genre of animal painting. The artwork captures intricate details of flora and fauna, demonstrating both artistic beauty and scientific accuracy.
In the artwork, a vibrant red lily stands prominently at the center, its petals meticulously illustrated with vivid colors and textures. Surrounding the lily, various stages and forms of insect life are depicted with remarkable detail. A caterpillar crawls along one of the leaves, while another leaf hosts a cocoon. Additionally, a moth and a wasp add to the composition, showcasing the diverse life forms connected to the primary floral subject. The artist’s skilled use of delicate lines and natural colors brings a lifelike quality to the illustration, highlighting the harmony and complexity of the natural world.
