Published in Amsterdam in 1730, the work, featuring 256 stunning copperplate engravings, is to be sold at the Ketterer Kunst auctions in Hamburg on 18 und 19 May 2009.

Maria Sibylla Merian’s “Over de voorteeling en wonderbaerlyke veranderingen der Surinaamschen insecten …” is indeed a highlight of the Hamburg auction of Rare Books – Manuscripts – Autographs – Decorative Prints with Marine and North German Art and is bound to trigger off vehement bidding skirmishes. After all, apart from the quality of this work, the price of € 20 000 at which it will be called is certainly reasonable. Back in 1999 Ketterer Kunst sold an edition of this book, which is a pioneering early work of modern entomology by the enterprising and emancipated native of Frankfurt, to a bidder from the US for DM 100 000.

Pre-sale viewings have been scheduled at Meßberg 1, Hamburg, for the following dates and times:
6-8 May, 11 am-5 pm
11-15 May, 11 am-5 pm
17 May – by appointment only

www.kettererkunst.de

Posted: 04|3|09 at 9:48 am. Filed under: Auction News.