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The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars and their Strange Diet of Flowers
Der Raupen wunderbare Verwandlung und sonderbare Blumen-nahrung
The Wondrous Transformation of Caterpillars and their Strange Diet of Flowers
Author: Maria Sibylla Merian (German, 1647–1717)
Illustrated by: Maria Sibylla Merian (German, 1647–1717)
Printer: Andreas Knorz (German, died in 1685)
Publisher: David Funck (German, 1642–1709)
Publisher: Johann Andreas Graf (German, 1637–1701)
Illustrated by: Maria Sibylla Merian (German, 1647–1717)
Printer: Andreas Knorz (German, died in 1685)
Publisher: David Funck (German, 1642–1709)
Publisher: Johann Andreas Graf (German, 1637–1701)
1679–83
Place of Publication: Nuremberg, Germany
Medium/Technique
Illustrated book with 102 engravings
Dimensions
Overall [vol. 1]: 20.2 x 17 x 2.3 cm (7 15/16 x 6 11/16 x 7/8 in.)
Overall [vol. 2]: 20.6 x 16.5 x 2 cm (8 1/8 x 6 1/2 x 13/16 in.)
Overall [vol. 2]: 20.6 x 16.5 x 2 cm (8 1/8 x 6 1/2 x 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
William A. Sargent Fund
Accession Number60.1460a-b
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope, Prints and Drawings
ClassificationsIllustrated books
Nuremberg and Frankfurt: Andreas Knorz, for Johann Andreas Graff and David Funck, 1679-1683
Catalogue Raisonné
VD17 23:292909S (1679 only); Hollstein, German, XXV, p. 84, no. 2; Nissen II, p. 123, no. 1342
Description(Nuremberg and Frankfurt: Andreas Knorz, for Johann Andreas Graff and David Funck, 1679-1683) Quarto; [vol. 1] 109 leaves, [vol. 2] 106 leaves; [vol. 1] modern half vellum, marbled paper boards, [vol. 2] modern half vellum, gilt-stamped decorated paper
Illustrations of caterpillars and butterflies feeding on flowers. First edition, published in 1679 in Nuremberg (vol. 1) and 1683 in Frankfurt (vol. 2). A third volume was published posthumously in 1717. The MFA copy of vol. 2 is perhaps unusual in that the illustrations are present in counterproofs of the engravings. The woodcut tailpieces in both volumes are also notable for their decoration, incorporating insects and butterflies, etc.
Illustrations of caterpillars and butterflies feeding on flowers. First edition, published in 1679 in Nuremberg (vol. 1) and 1683 in Frankfurt (vol. 2). A third volume was published posthumously in 1717. The MFA copy of vol. 2 is perhaps unusual in that the illustrations are present in counterproofs of the engravings. The woodcut tailpieces in both volumes are also notable for their decoration, incorporating insects and butterflies, etc.
ProvenanceHellmuth Wallach, New York, from whom purchased by MFA, December 14, 1960.