Plants and animals

"Art and nature have long been at odds until they find harmony, creating lines that are both conquered and embraced," wrote the 17th-century illustrator and naturalist Maria Sibylla Merian. Today, can we view her depictions of flora and fauna as true art? Why has the art world largely overlooked the so-called "Raphael of Flowers"? This 240-page volume is a tribute to the intricate illustrations found in historical natural atlases, showcasing works that are not only vivid and accurate but also profoundly detailed. Originating from the era of burgeoning modern taxonomy, these illustrations served as scientific documentation while simultaneously celebrating nature's beauty. Through full-scale reproductions and magnified microscopic details, this collection reminds us of a time before photography, when prints and drawings satisfied humanity's thirst for beauty and knowledge. Featuring treasures from the Print Room of the Scientific Library of the Polish Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Polish Academy of Sciences, and the Library of the Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, this compilation includes renowned botanical and ornithological albums. It weaves a narrative of science and art interwoven through attentive observation and artistic skill, spanning borders and eras. Restored with precision, these reproductions have had imperfections corrected and their original hues brought back to life with UV technology and exquisite matte paper. With an ecological cover, embossed title, and vibrant collage, the presentation elegantly balances sophistication with natural simplicity.