Wycke-Bockies, Plate 51.

£1,200 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

From "Surinamese flora and insects" or "Dissertatio de generatione et metamorphosibus insectorum Surinamensium". Maria Sibyl Merian (1647-1717) was amongst the first female travellers to South America, taking this momentous journey at the age of 55. Whilst in Surinam she made drawings of the flora and fauna she encountered, and returned to Germany in order to etch these images and publish this great work. It remains one of the most decorative yet factual works of Natural History. She died in Berlin soon after her return. Engraving with hand-colour, good condition. Good condition with some damage to the edges. Dunthorne 205.

• Binding: Hardcover

Found via Rare Books Intel, a search across rare-book dealers, auction houses and marketplaces worldwide.