Maria Sibylla Merian
Maria Sibylla Merian (2 April 164713 January 1717) was a German-born naturalist and scientific illustrator, a descendant of the Frankfurt branch of the Swiss Merian family. Merian was one of the first naturalists to observe insects directly.
Morro da Mineira
Although called a "Mineira" (person from the state of Minas Gerais), Maria was actually born in Rio de Janeiro, near Cantagalo and Cordeiro around 1910. Her family moved in Minas Gerais when she was very young and resided in the Alto Jequitibá municipality. While living there, Maria met and married Laudelino César, with whom she had six children: Dario, Enéias, Ciro, Leone, Dedier and Aluizio. Maria and her family lived in a very rural region with few resources and life there was difficult. After years of struggle, they moved to Rio de Janeiro in search of a better life.