Classic scientific illustration

Turning the Book Wheel, the tumblr of the Smithsonian Library, provided the link for

Metamorphosis insectorum surinamensium... and noted that

Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717)... was fascinated with insects and the metamorphosis of caterpillars into butterflies. Trained as a painter, she beautifully depicted her observations about the life-cycle of insects. Her illustrations show not just the insects’ transformation, but the important role specific plants have in sustaining the animal during the various stages of development.