Histoire générale des Insectes de Surinam et de toute l'Europe. Contenant leurs descriptions, leurs figures, leurs differentes metamorphoses. Tome Second: DES PLANTES DE L'EUROPE (second title:) HISTOIRE GÉNÉRALE DES PLANTES ET INSECTES DE L'EUROPE.
Eur 30,000 / USD 31,500
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Paris, chez L.C. Desnos, 1771. Folio (495 x 340mm). pp. (4), 72, with 184 splendidly hand-coloured engraved plates printed on 47 leaves. Contemporary calf, sides with gilt borders, gilt ornamented spine with 2 gilt lettered labels in 8 compartments (some skilful minor restaurations).
An unusually fine coloured copy of the last edition of Merian's work on European insects
An unusually fine coloured copy of the last edition of Merian's work on European insects. The book is a French translation of Merian's 'Der Rupsen Begin, Voedzel en Wonderbaare Verandering' (1713-1717), which was issued in 3 parts in 4to. The present work includes her earlier published 'Blumenbuch'. Maria Sibylla Merian was one of the first to observe and describe metamorphoses of European insects, portraying, describing and publishing them with painstaking precision. Her 'Der Rupsen Begin' is a pioneer study. It is dedicated to 'explorers of nature, art-painters and garden lovers'.
Maria Sibylla Merian was one of the most remarkable naturalists of the 17th and 18th century, daughter of the renowned publisher Matthäus Merian of Frankfurt. Already at the early age of thirteen she began studying insects. She became the most celebrated woman artist of her time and many of her drawings were acquired by Tsar Peter the Great. "The work of these years consisted of both scientific and artistic activity: Merian collected and raised insects, fed them with their host plants, observed them, described and drew their metamorphoses from egg to caterpillar and from pupa to butterfly imago. She then compiled her individual observations and studies in pictorial compositions" (Maria Sibylla Merian, Artist and Naturalist 1647-1717, p. 103).
Provenance: Armorial bookplate of Philip Hamond.
Pfeiffer, M.A.. Die Werke der Maria Sibylla Merian, no. 10; Nissen BBI, 1342.