H2701s

Merian Botanical Prints

Citron, Moth, Larvae, Pupa, Beetle

Fred Collins Signature

Collins Cover Announcement 

Merian Botanical Prints

Flowering Pincapple and Tropical Citron

Anna Maria Sibylla Merian is recognized as one of the great female artists of the 17th Century. Her talented work combines sensitivity with realism resulting in stunning beauty. 'These two stamps are based on Merian's work in the primeval jungles of Surinam on the north coast of South America.

The hand-painted cachets have, in my opinion, achieved a high degree of excellence. 'The illustrations are done in the same style as the stamps, and hand painting has enabled me to coordinate the colors of my cachets perfectly to those of the stamps. Lilly flowering pineapple cachet includes tropical flowers and a colorful Surinam hummingbird. 'The tropical citron, related to the lemon, shares the cachet with an indigenous butterfly and a flowering vine. In all honesty, I was not in great anticipation of these stamps when first announced. But, with equal honesty, I must say that after a fair amount of research and bringing this two-cover project to fruition. 'These two Collins FDCs display a great deal of appeal and visual beauty. 'They are a little different in style and very pleasing to look at. I highly recommend them. Once sold out I believe that they will become very desirable on the open market, and highly recommend them. The Merian Botanical Prints Tropical Citron (#H2701) and glowering Pineapple (#H2702) $11.75 each.