The Scott Sisters
'Australian Lepidoptera' showing Agarista
agricola adult and larvae
In the middle to late nineteenth century, Harriet and Helena Scott were artists, illustrators and natural history collectors. Although neither was formally trained, they produced many beautiful paintings of insects in their natural habitat. At this time, women were encouraged in the pursuits of drawing and illustration as genteel pasttimes befitting a lady. Their art was published in Australian Lepidoptera and their Transformations….(J Van Voorst, London) in 1864. The book was written by their father, A.W. Scott, and depicts insects in stages of metamorphosis painted in their natural surroundings.
Harriet and Helena lived quiet, sheltered lives in Sydney and the Hunter River region of New South Wales. Although longing for a university education, the sisters were schooled at home and used their painting and drawing talents to earn income after the destitution of their family from unsuccessful business investments.
The Scott sisters' skills were recognised by the Entomological Society of New South Wales which granted them honorary membership.