Maria Sibylla Merian

Charles Gasc (L.543);
Auguste Schoy, Antwerp (L.64, and another similar mark, not in Lugt, probably also his)

Framed. The vellum slightly buckled at the lower left corner and the upper centre. Some very light staining at the lower margin and some surface dirt near the upper edge. A very small brown spot stain near the upper right corner and a very tiny hole (almost invisible) to the right of the lower branch, above the caterpillar.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This unusual, incomplete watercolour can be compared stylistically with various others found in the albums of watercolours by Merian now in the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle, and the British Museum.  It is particularly close in conception and technique to the depiction of a Passion Flower, in the British Museum.¹ Grape vines such as this also appear, in combination with the various stages in the life cycles of butterflies and moths, in plates 34 and 47 of Merian's famous publication, Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium.

1. See Maria Sibylla Merian & dochters, exh. cat., Amsterdam, Museum het Rembrandthuis, and Los Angeles, J. Paul Getty Museum, 2008, p. 156, fig. 119