Exhibition Mariet de Geus: Drawn with Passion

Over the years, numerous botanical illustrators have worked for Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and its predecessor institutions. One of them is Mariet de Geus (1934-), who worked as a botanical illustrator for the Biosystematics chair group from 1970 to 1985. A significant part of her work consisted of producing black-and-white illustrations of botanical species and cultivars for scientific publications. She also created many coloured botanical artworks.

Alongside her work for Wageningen University, Mariet de Geus pursued a career as an independent artist. She produced oil paintings, watercolours and painted ceramics, and created illustrations for magazines such as Groei & Bloei, Onze Tuinen and Grasduinen.

This exhibition presents a selection of her botanical drawings and illustrations created for WUR, alongside work produced for other clients. It offers an insight into the combination of scientific accuracy, craftsmanship and artistic talent that characterises botanical illustration. Part of her scientific oeuvre is preserved in the Special Collections of WUR Library.

Practical Information

• Location: Impulse, Stippeneng 2, Wageningen Campus
• Exhibition Dates: Wednesday 23 September to Friday 30 October 2026
• Opening Hours: Weekdays from 08:30 to 18:00
• Admission: free of charge
  

Exhibition Opening

The exhibition will officially open on Wednesday 23 September at 12:00. During the opening, landscape architect Frits Ruyten will share insights into the work of Mariet de Geus and her passion for botanical illustration.

Find more information about the opening.