Maria Sibylla Merian, Surinam Toad (pipa pipa), Shells, and Flowering Plant (detail), from Metamorphosis insectorum surinamensium, Amsterdam: Voor den auteur, als ook, 1705. Illustrated book. Houghton Library, Harvard University.
Maria Sibylla Merian, Surinam Toad (pipa pipa), Shells, and Flowering Plant (detail), from Metamorphosis insectorum surinamensium, Amsterdam: Voor den auteur, als ook, 1705. Illustrated book. Houghton Library, Harvard University.
Worlds within Worlds: Portraying Nature as Microcosms
1:00 pm–2:30 pm
Tickets (Member / Nonmember)
In-Person $28 / $35
Livestream $16 / $20
Visually compelling depictions of flora and fauna by Rachel Ruysch and her contemporaries not only demonstrate virtuosic artistic talents, they also reflect the early modern notion of microcosm, a “little world” encapsulating the characteristics of its larger counterparts. Weaving together diverse portrayals of nature, the invention and development of the microscope, and the practice of collecting natural specimens, explore fascinating intersections between art and science in the Dutch Republic during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Jessie Park, Nina and Lee Griggs Assistant Curator of European Art, Yale University Art Gallery
Course Packages
Purchase a ticket package for the full four-session “Rachel Ruysch: Art, Science, and Society” course. Please note that this option is not available after the date of the first session.
Assistive listening system
Wheelchair accessible
Ticket Information
To order tickets by phone, call 1-800-440-6975 ($6 processing fee applies); to order in person, visit any MFA ticket desk.
Livestream Tickets
The livestream ticket gives access to a live feed of the event that can be watched remotely. You must be logged in to the account used to purchase the ticket in order to access the livestream on the Video Content page. Please log in at least 5 minutes before the start of the event to test your connection.
Livestream ticket holders must watch the event live; there is no recording of the event available for viewing at a later time.
Bag Checks
All bags are subject to inspection by Museum staff. Backpacks, large bags, all liquids including hand sanitizer and sunscreen, and outside food or drink are not permitted. Exceptions are made for medical or religious needs. All bags are strongly discouraged, and any bags larger than 11” x 15” must be checked in the Coat Room upon entry. Read our full bag check policy.