Amsterdam, Netherlands

Finally, after a three-month crossing, we have land under our feet again, and arrived on 23 September 1701 back in Amsterdam. Soon we will present all our exhibits to the public. We will show numerous watercolours, sketches and records, and also preserved animals; butterflies and caterpillars, turtles and geckos, snakes and lizards, spiders and birds, as well as other reptiles and amphibians.

I correspond with scientists all over Europe and do some trading with the exhibits. My documentary work and meticulous drawings will serve as a basis for future generations of researchers.

Merian is back home in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Do you recognize the outline of the country?