From 1685 onwards, Merian, her daughters and her mother lived with the Labadist community, who had settled on the grounds of a stately home – Walt(h)a Castle – at Wieuwerd in Friesland.
They stayed there for three years and Merian found the time to study natural history and Latin, the language in which scientific books were written.
In the moors of Friesland, she observed the birth and development of frogs, and collected them to dissect them.
Merian stayed with the community until 1691.

In Wieuwerd, the Labadists engaged in printing and many other occupations, including farming and milling.
At its peak, the religious community numbered around 600, with many more adherents further afield.
Visitors came from England, Italy, Poland and elsewhere, but not all approved of the strict discipline, separatism and community property.
Merian's husband was refused by the Labadists, but came back twice.
From 1685 onwards, Merian, her daughters and her mother lived with the Labadist community, who had settled on the grounds of a stately home – Walt(h)a Castle – at Wieuwerd in Friesland. They stayed there for three years and Merian found the time to study natural history and Latin, the language in which scientific books were written. In the moors of Friesland, she observed the birth and development of frogs, and collected them to dissect them. Merian stayed with the community until 1691.
In Wieuwerd, the Labadists engaged in printing and many other occupations, including farming and milling. At its peak, the religious community numbered around 600, with many more adherents further afield. Visitors came from England, Italy, Poland and elsewhere, but not all approved of the strict discipline, separatism and community property. Merian's husband was refused by the Labadists, but came back twice.
Maria Sibylla Merian