Merian, Maria Sibylla.

Folio (520 x 350mm.), half-title, hand-coloured engraved frontispiece by J. Oosterwijk after F. Ottens, title-page printed in red and black with an engraved device by B. Picart, 185 engraved illustrations, each from a separate copper plate, mostly printed 3 or 4 to a leaf, one at the end of the letterpress text, old vellum stamped in blind, binding rebacked

Christian Gottlieb Jöcher (1694-1758), engraved bookplate showing the interior of his library

Nissen BBI 1342

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

a fine copy of this most extensive edition of an entomological classic. It originally appeared in German with 100 plates as Der Raupen wunderbare Verwandelung (Nuremberg, 1679-1683). The first editions in Dutch and Latin were expanded to 150 plates: Der Rupsen Begin, Voedsel, en wonderbaare Verandering (1713-1717), and Erucarum Ortus (1718). In 1730 the present, largest edition was published in Dutch, as here, and French. There is as much of botanical interest in the plates as there is entomological.