Maria Sibylla Merian
Three tulips, painted so precisely that you can trace every vein in their leaves: this is the work of Maria Sibylla Merian, the artist and naturalist who spent much of her life in Amsterdam. In this collection you will find her celebrated tulips on carefully made museum souvenirs, from serving trays, napkins and a mug to a scarf, a notebook with pen and gold-plated tulip earrings. Premium gifts for anyone who loves art, flowers and Dutch history.
Maria Sibylla Merian gifts: art, nature and tulips
Maria Sibylla Merian (1647–1717) was born in Frankfurt am Main, but found her home in Amsterdam. As a young girl she collected caterpillars and drew how they turned into butterflies. That was remarkable at the time, when many people still believed insects simply sprang from mud. Merian's observations proved otherwise, and she recorded everything in exquisite watercolours that showed insects together with the plants they lived on.
In 1699, at the age of 52, she sailed to Suriname with her daughter, an extraordinary undertaking for a woman of her era. The book that resulted, Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium, was published in Amsterdam in 1705 and made her famous across Europe. Today she is regarded as one of the founders of entomology and one of the most important botanical artists of the Dutch Golden Age.
Her tulips are a perfect match for Holland. Merian was born just ten years after the notorious tulip mania, when the tulip was still a flower of status and wonder. Our souvenirs feature her study of three tulips, with the vivid flames and stripes that collectors once prized so highly.
What is in the Maria Merian collection?
For the table
Serving trays in several sizes, luxury paper napkins, a tea towel and a mug in a gift box. Bring a touch of art history to afternoon tea or drinks with friends.
For the desk
Notebooks with a matching pen, a ballpoint pen in a gift box, a bookmark and a paperweight sphere. Ideal for anyone who loves to write, read or sketch, just as Merian did.
To wear and carry
A three-tulip scarf, a hand fan, a spectacle case with lens cloth, a heart-shaped pillbox and gold-plated tulip earrings. Small, everyday luxuries.
For the home
A pillowcase with the tulip design brings Merian's work to your sofa or reading chair. A stylish addition to both classic and contemporary interiors.
A gift with a story
Our museum souvenirs are premium products: carefully made, with a sharp, true-to-colour reproduction of the original artwork and often presented in attractive packaging. That makes them a cut above the ordinary souvenir, and a gift you can give with confidence.
- ✓For art lovers: a recognisable work by an artist who is finally receiving the recognition she deserves.
- ✓For nature and flower lovers: botanical art at its finest, with the tulip in the leading role.
- ✓For visitors and expats: an elegant Dutch keepsake that goes beyond clogs and windmills.
- ✓For businesses: a refined corporate gift with cultural value, suitable for clients and partners worldwide.
Art in the family: Merian and Jacob Marrell
Merian's love of flowers did not come out of nowhere. Her stepfather was the flower painter Jacob Marrell, who taught her to draw and paint as a child. We also stock his tulip designs: browse our Jacob Marrell souvenirs for a lovely combination. Fond of lavish Golden Age flower still lifes? Then Jan Davidsz. de Heem is well worth a look too.
Frequently asked questions about Maria Sibylla Merian souvenirs
Who was Maria Sibylla Merian? +
A German-born artist and naturalist (1647–1717) who spent most of her adult life in Amsterdam. She is known for her detailed watercolours of plants and insects and her research into the metamorphosis of caterpillars into butterflies, including during her expedition to Suriname.
Which artwork is featured on these souvenirs? +
The products in this collection show Merian's study of three tulips, one of her best-known flower pieces. The flamed tulips and their rich colours make it a recognisable and quintessentially Dutch design.
Do you ship these museum souvenirs abroad? +
Yes. We ship within the Netherlands and internationally. Many items, such as the bookmark, notebook and napkins, are light and flat, which makes them easy to send to family or friends abroad. See our shipping page for all destinations.
Can I order larger quantities as corporate gifts? +
Certainly. Looking for a stylish gift for clients, a conference or international partners? Visit our B2B page or email info@hollandwinkel.nl.
Can I add a personal message? +
Yes, we include a card with your message free of charge. Would you like your gift beautifully wrapped? Choose one of our gift wrapping options.
Discover more art and tulips
Found your favourite Merian gift? Explore souvenirs inspired by other great masters, or pair the three tulips with other tulip gifts from our range of thousands of Dutch souvenirs.