A pioneer for women in science, seventeenth-century German artist, scientific illustrator and naturalist, Anna Maria Sybilla Merian (1647-1717) is best known for her botanical and entomological work. At 52 years old she sailed 5,000 miles from Netherlands to South America on a self funded expedition to broaden her study on insects. Merian was the first European woman to independently go on a scientific expedition in South America, paving the way for women thereafter. Her talent and tenacious passion is evident in her inspiring compositions.